If you're like most of us, or maybe I should say if you're like me, the way you choose what new tires you should purchase for your car is by reading the label on the side of your existing car tires. After comparing the prices of the compatible tires with the amount of money in your tire budget, then a choice can be made. But is it the right choice? I mean, if you have no idea what the label on your tire means or what you are purchasing, you could really be leaving out a whole new world of tire options.
Okay, a typical car tire label reads something like this "P185/60R 14 82H." In this little car label "sentence" there is a wealth of information. But it doesn't do you any good if you haven't the slightest idea of what it all means. So, if you're like me, this guide to car tire language can come in quite handy on your next trip to the automotive department.
The first letter on the tire label indicates what type of vehicle the tire is intended for: P is for passenger car, LT is for light truck, and T is for your temporary or spare tire.
The numbers immediately following, "185" in this label, is the section width of the tire in millimeters. Shorter or narrower tires have lower numbers.
The numbers immediately following the slash indicate the tire's aspect ratio, which is translated as the section height as percentage of the section width. In lay's terms, this tire's height is 60 percent of its width. Performance tires would have a lower number in this space.
The next letter stands for the tire's type. In this case, "R" stands for radial. The 14 immediately following is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
The next number in the label, "82," stand for the tire's load index. According to the Maximum Load-Carrying Capacity chart, a set of four of these tires could safely support a vehicle weighing 4,188 pounds.
The final letter stands for the amount of traveling speeds that the tire is capable of sustaining safely under optimal driving conditions. "The speed ratings are S for up to 112 mph, H for up to 130 mph, V for up to 150 mph, Z for 150 mph+.At high speeds, the tire can get very hot and the tread can separate from the belts. The speed ratings tell you how fast you can go and still be safe.
When selecting tires for your car or motorcycle you should also pay attention to some other tire qualities which may effect your car or motorcycles performance or the durability of your tires. While the most important considerations for you to consider when purchasing new tires will be the tread type, size and mileage warranty, do not hesitate to ask questions if your dealer uses a term that you are unfamiliar with.
After all, it's your money and you want the safest most durable tires for your dollar. Most of the tire size and speed ratings are the same for car and motorcyle tires but always refer to your owners manual.
Motorcycle Side Car Options and Designs
re you a motorcycle enthusiast, but are finding it difficult to convince your significant other to go along for long rides? After all, your butt gets pretty sore after a while so it stands to reason that taking passengers on a 300-mile motorcycle ride is not the easiest thing in the world to do. One-way to convince your significant other that a motorcycle needs to be in your future in that it is essential to spend the money for a great motorcycle, is to tell them you will also get the high-tech side car that matches for them to ride on.
This will prevent them from having a bad hair day due to the relatively and the occasional pass at 100 mph plus. One of the coolest side cars ever made, is not as expensive as you might think in fact if you do a little research you'll see that Dauntless Motors Corporation indeed as the nicest, quietest and safest side cars on the market. Please find a link below of some pictures better on the Internet;
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/Mountinghdw_files/images/bmwk12ltlibsilverrf10.02.JPG
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/Mountinghdw_files/images/liberator/liberatorpeakrstrunksup4.02.JPG
The Liberator Motorcyle Side Car Series is state-of-the-art and last year I have the pleasure of sitting in one myself at the Daytona motorcycle jamboree. Sure there are other motorcycle side cars which are equally as cool, but safety was a major concern for our family and a great selling point for me to buy a new motorcycle. Consider this in 2006.
This will prevent them from having a bad hair day due to the relatively and the occasional pass at 100 mph plus. One of the coolest side cars ever made, is not as expensive as you might think in fact if you do a little research you'll see that Dauntless Motors Corporation indeed as the nicest, quietest and safest side cars on the market. Please find a link below of some pictures better on the Internet;
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/Mountinghdw_files/images/bmwk12ltlibsilverrf10.02.JPG
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/Mountinghdw_files/images/liberator/liberatorpeakrstrunksup4.02.JPG
The Liberator Motorcyle Side Car Series is state-of-the-art and last year I have the pleasure of sitting in one myself at the Daytona motorcycle jamboree. Sure there are other motorcycle side cars which are equally as cool, but safety was a major concern for our family and a great selling point for me to buy a new motorcycle. Consider this in 2006.
Motorcycles for 16 Year Olds
Motorcycles are great vehicles to get you around town. They have low insurance costs, they are cheap to operate, and they can get you to places quicker because of their smaller size. However, motorcycles are not for everybody and can be dangerous or deadly in the hands of a wrong person.
When a 16 year old has recently acquired his driving permit, there are many things to learn and many experiences to gain on the topic of driving. Some of these things can be taught, but others will only come with age. A motorcycle is not the best mode of transportation when a person is just beginning to get experience in driving. Driving is more than just pointing your wheels in the direction you want to go. Driving is about self-control and obedience, both of which may not exist exist in a 16 year old. It takes time and experience before all immature driving behaviors and tendencies can be suppressed by a first time driver, yielding to common sense and safe driving practices. Some of these tendencies include the urge to stunt, race, speed, and in general, show off. There is no room for behaviour like this on a motorcycle because there is so little margin for error and the effects are usually devastating should something go wrong. At least a car gives you some protection should you screw up.
There is also the need to get used to driving in all kinds of traffic conditions and being adaptive to those conditions. There are things like road markers and signs that must be obeyed. As a new rider, you have to understand all the rules of the road and react to them accordingly. You also have to drive attentively and defensively, always being prepared for what the other driver may or may not do. There is also the issue of driving according to the environments, road conditions, and other random and uncontrollable factors. Driving is not a simple task and requires ample concentration. A young driver only has to learn how to drive a manual transmission car in traffic to understand the complexities of driving. A motorcycle is 10 times more demanding on your concentration than a car with a manual transmission. If you didn't already know, 99.5% of motorcycles only come with a manual transmission.
When motorcycling, all limbs of your body are being used to control the bike. Your left hand works the clutch while your right hand manages the front brakes. Your left foot changes the gears on your bike, while your right foot modulates the rear brakes. In addition, there are other controls that must be done by the rider at any given time which includes turning on the signals, turning off the signals, powering the headlights, switching the fuel reserve tank, and much more. Finally, a motorcycle is not enclosed in a metal cage. In a car, if you make a mistake and get into an accident, that metal cage will protect you. In a motorcycle, you get only one chance. Screw it up and you are done.
There have been many new motorcycle riders that have come up to me for feedback or opinion on riding motorcycles and selecting the right bike to learn. I have always turned young drivers away from motorcycles unless they have had at least 1 year or 15,000 miles of driving experience. I feel that this driving experience is detrimental to the survival of all motorcycle riders. You cannot shortcut this life lesson and in doing so, you would be unwisely taking a chance. Please spend at least 1 year on a car before considering a motorcycle. Bikes are not everyday vehicles. They should be avoided on windy, snowy, rainy days. They should be avoided when the roads are slippery due to sand, dirt, or gravel. You don't get air conditioning (A/C) on hot days. And finally, you cannot pick up 4 friends to go out for a night into town. If you are selecting your first vehicle, avoid a motorcycle for all the reasons stated above. As a 16 year old, you just do not have the self-control and common sense to ride a motorcycle safely.
When a 16 year old has recently acquired his driving permit, there are many things to learn and many experiences to gain on the topic of driving. Some of these things can be taught, but others will only come with age. A motorcycle is not the best mode of transportation when a person is just beginning to get experience in driving. Driving is more than just pointing your wheels in the direction you want to go. Driving is about self-control and obedience, both of which may not exist exist in a 16 year old. It takes time and experience before all immature driving behaviors and tendencies can be suppressed by a first time driver, yielding to common sense and safe driving practices. Some of these tendencies include the urge to stunt, race, speed, and in general, show off. There is no room for behaviour like this on a motorcycle because there is so little margin for error and the effects are usually devastating should something go wrong. At least a car gives you some protection should you screw up.
There is also the need to get used to driving in all kinds of traffic conditions and being adaptive to those conditions. There are things like road markers and signs that must be obeyed. As a new rider, you have to understand all the rules of the road and react to them accordingly. You also have to drive attentively and defensively, always being prepared for what the other driver may or may not do. There is also the issue of driving according to the environments, road conditions, and other random and uncontrollable factors. Driving is not a simple task and requires ample concentration. A young driver only has to learn how to drive a manual transmission car in traffic to understand the complexities of driving. A motorcycle is 10 times more demanding on your concentration than a car with a manual transmission. If you didn't already know, 99.5% of motorcycles only come with a manual transmission.
When motorcycling, all limbs of your body are being used to control the bike. Your left hand works the clutch while your right hand manages the front brakes. Your left foot changes the gears on your bike, while your right foot modulates the rear brakes. In addition, there are other controls that must be done by the rider at any given time which includes turning on the signals, turning off the signals, powering the headlights, switching the fuel reserve tank, and much more. Finally, a motorcycle is not enclosed in a metal cage. In a car, if you make a mistake and get into an accident, that metal cage will protect you. In a motorcycle, you get only one chance. Screw it up and you are done.
There have been many new motorcycle riders that have come up to me for feedback or opinion on riding motorcycles and selecting the right bike to learn. I have always turned young drivers away from motorcycles unless they have had at least 1 year or 15,000 miles of driving experience. I feel that this driving experience is detrimental to the survival of all motorcycle riders. You cannot shortcut this life lesson and in doing so, you would be unwisely taking a chance. Please spend at least 1 year on a car before considering a motorcycle. Bikes are not everyday vehicles. They should be avoided on windy, snowy, rainy days. They should be avoided when the roads are slippery due to sand, dirt, or gravel. You don't get air conditioning (A/C) on hot days. And finally, you cannot pick up 4 friends to go out for a night into town. If you are selecting your first vehicle, avoid a motorcycle for all the reasons stated above. As a 16 year old, you just do not have the self-control and common sense to ride a motorcycle safely.
Motorcyle GPS - The Hottest Motorcycle Accessory On The Planet
By Peter Clark Platinum Quality Author
Do you ride a motorcycle? Get lost sometimes? A Garmin GPS motorcycle navigation system, or perhaps a Tom Tom GPS motorcycle navigation unit, can take the strain out of motorcycle navigation.
But firstly, what is GPS motorcycle navigation, and secondly what can it do for you?
GPS, or Global Positioning System technology, allows a motorbike rider, by the use of multiple satellite signal cross referencing, to pinpoint their exact location on the globe with extraordinary accuracy. This, combined with modern mapping software, means that owners of motorcyle GPS systems can use these technologies to produce the most accurate, easy to use and user friendly navigation system that has ever been available to motorcycle riders, or anyone.
Mount a modern motorcycle GPS system onto your motorbike and you have available a total navigation system. All maps are loaded into the unit, and once you have planned your route and told your GPS where you want it to take you and your bike, your GPS will tell you, both visually and by voice command, exactly how to get there. Modern GPS, such as the Garmin GPS motorcyle system or the Tom Tom Rider GPS units, will plan your route according to predetermined requirements, such as fuel stops, accomodation stops and points of interest. They will show you and tell you every turn you need to make along the way to get there easily.
Like to avoid traffic jams? Modern GPS can also be asked to notify you of real time traffic information. Traffic jam ahead of you? Your motorcycle GPS navigation can let you know and determine the best way around the problem.
And all this can be routed by voice command direct to an earpiece in your helmet via bluetooth technology. No need to take your eyes off the road risking accident by looking at your GPS screen, just allow it to tell you where to go all by itself.
Like to make a hands free phone call along the way? No problem. Perhaps load your motorcycle GPS with a few music files so you can relax and listen on the road? No problem. Want to record your ride for future reference, or to share with your friends? No problem. All this, and lots more, can be done with a modern motorcyle GPS navigator, at a cost of less than $1000. Units such as the Garmin GPS motorcyle navigation systems or the Tomtom GPS units can do all this and lots more.
Garmin GPS navigation systems like the Zumo 450 or it's big brother the Zumo 550 are specifically designed for motorcycle mounting. Vibration resistant and user friendly for easy screen viewing, they have been specifically designed with the motorcyclist in mind.
Or perhaps the Tom Tom Rider GPS navigator. Again, designed specifically for the motorbike rider. Waterproof, sunshield to minimize glare and easy to mount on the handlebars, a Tom Tom will make navigation for your ride a pleasure.
So if you'd like a total navigation solution for a long ride on a cold day, when you don't want to be stopping all the time to consult the map, consider a modern motorcycle GPS like the Garmin GPS motorcycle navigation systems or the Tom Tom Riders. You will never regret it.
For a website totally devoted to Motorcycle GPS visit Peter's Website Hot Motorcycle GPS Deals and find out about Motorcycle GPS as well as Garmin GPS Motorcycle Navigation and more, including Tom Tom Rider navigation systems and motorcycle GPS videos.
Do you ride a motorcycle? Get lost sometimes? A Garmin GPS motorcycle navigation system, or perhaps a Tom Tom GPS motorcycle navigation unit, can take the strain out of motorcycle navigation.
But firstly, what is GPS motorcycle navigation, and secondly what can it do for you?
GPS, or Global Positioning System technology, allows a motorbike rider, by the use of multiple satellite signal cross referencing, to pinpoint their exact location on the globe with extraordinary accuracy. This, combined with modern mapping software, means that owners of motorcyle GPS systems can use these technologies to produce the most accurate, easy to use and user friendly navigation system that has ever been available to motorcycle riders, or anyone.
Mount a modern motorcycle GPS system onto your motorbike and you have available a total navigation system. All maps are loaded into the unit, and once you have planned your route and told your GPS where you want it to take you and your bike, your GPS will tell you, both visually and by voice command, exactly how to get there. Modern GPS, such as the Garmin GPS motorcyle system or the Tom Tom Rider GPS units, will plan your route according to predetermined requirements, such as fuel stops, accomodation stops and points of interest. They will show you and tell you every turn you need to make along the way to get there easily.
Like to avoid traffic jams? Modern GPS can also be asked to notify you of real time traffic information. Traffic jam ahead of you? Your motorcycle GPS navigation can let you know and determine the best way around the problem.
And all this can be routed by voice command direct to an earpiece in your helmet via bluetooth technology. No need to take your eyes off the road risking accident by looking at your GPS screen, just allow it to tell you where to go all by itself.
Like to make a hands free phone call along the way? No problem. Perhaps load your motorcycle GPS with a few music files so you can relax and listen on the road? No problem. Want to record your ride for future reference, or to share with your friends? No problem. All this, and lots more, can be done with a modern motorcyle GPS navigator, at a cost of less than $1000. Units such as the Garmin GPS motorcyle navigation systems or the Tomtom GPS units can do all this and lots more.
Garmin GPS navigation systems like the Zumo 450 or it's big brother the Zumo 550 are specifically designed for motorcycle mounting. Vibration resistant and user friendly for easy screen viewing, they have been specifically designed with the motorcyclist in mind.
Or perhaps the Tom Tom Rider GPS navigator. Again, designed specifically for the motorbike rider. Waterproof, sunshield to minimize glare and easy to mount on the handlebars, a Tom Tom will make navigation for your ride a pleasure.
So if you'd like a total navigation solution for a long ride on a cold day, when you don't want to be stopping all the time to consult the map, consider a modern motorcycle GPS like the Garmin GPS motorcycle navigation systems or the Tom Tom Riders. You will never regret it.
For a website totally devoted to Motorcycle GPS visit Peter's Website Hot Motorcycle GPS Deals and find out about Motorcycle GPS as well as Garmin GPS Motorcycle Navigation and more, including Tom Tom Rider navigation systems and motorcycle GPS videos.
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