Thursday, 28 August 2008

Motorcycle Racing


Sports fans around the world know the excitement when it comes to motorcycle racing. The speed and action it delivers is nothing compared to some sports. And the danger it faces manes the reaction of the viewers that is much more heart-pounding than an extreme adrenaline rush. The audience simply gasps for amazement whenever racers take the course into a fact-paced racing. One thing that people can think about is an impending accident that might hinder the excitement of the whole race and turn it into tragedy. But how can the racers stay protected during motorcycle racing, you might ask?

As every motorcyclist knows, it is imperative to be protected with a head gear. It has obviously impacted anyone who has ever owned or dealt with a motorcycle because it is required by law that all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets. Along with the costume or attire racers must wear, motorcycle racing helmets are always included. During a motorcycle racing, most often the racing helmets of each racer varies and matches to their attire. This can either be customized or bought to match the theme.

Motorcycle racing also brings out the variety of helmets available to racers and riders alike. KBC helmets and Arai helmets are two of the most popular racing helmets out there. Although KBC helmets and Arai helmets are mostly seen as motorcycle racing helmets, they also have other types of bike helmets available. These would include ventilation-specialized head gear that hinders wind noise, which can cause permanent hearing difficulties of a racer. This is specifically-designed to motor cross racers. Anti fog factors and noise-resistant head gears are always available for you to look into rather than its stylish design and striking colors.

There are some customized and specialized welding helmets that have been turned into racing helmets as well. Some of these welding helmets come in different styles and colors can come in a skull shape mask type or pig and more. With the innovation of the designs, it is not easy to see that these are welding helmets but used as motorcycle racing helmets. Durability is also an important factor here when choosing your own head gear, so be sure you choose the most durable helmet. To find out if a particular helmet provides the components you need for a race, ask the experts and head gear users. Moreover, do your homework and find out the best rated helmet out there that features only the most durable material.

So, if you plan to join a motorcycle racing competition, be sure to get yourself a durable helmet to fit not only your style but to improve safety when you are driving your motorcycle. You can start by looking at the options of KBC helmets or Arai helmets that are available at your local stores or online. If that does not work, you can always look at getting a helmet customized for your image just as long as your stay protected with your head gear. Remember that the most important thing is not about visual appeal but for you to ride on safely towards another race.

Friday, 15 August 2008

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts or OEM parts?

Contrary to what many believe, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) motorcycle parts are not inherently better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. Like any product in a dynamic marketplace, aftermarket motorcycle parts manufacturers often find a way to improve upon the performance or the look of the part. A comparison of the two types of parts is often contrary to what many people assume.

OEM Motorcycle Parts:
An OEM part is part made by the same company that made the part for the original vehicle. Oftentimes, auto and motorcycle manufacturers don't make the parts themselves, but contract the job to a manufacturing company. A comparison of the two different types of parts shows the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
The manufactures of aftermarket motorcycle parts must apply for the rights to reproduce a part. Aftermarket motorcycle parts manufactures operate under strict guidelines and by nature of their profession must be absolutely precise in their design.

Good aftermarket motorcycle parts often can't be distinguished from the original. Additionally, manufacturers of aftermarket motorcycle parts have the flexibility to improve upon the design and the quality. Normally, aftermarket motorcycle parts are sold for much less than OEM parts. The possible downside to using aftermarket parts is, that if installed by a non-certified technician, could impact the warranty.

Finding Quality Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Different company's aftermarket motorcycle parts will differ in look and quality. Your best bet is to find a highly reputable aftermarket motorcycle parts dealer who is in the know about all of the latest parts and manufacturers and who only offers the best quality after market motorcycle parts.

Who Uses Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Those who build custom motorcycles use aftermarket parts to build bikes with fresh new designs and unique looks. Those with older model bikes often choose aftermarket motorcycle parts because parts for older models have often greatly improved since the original part was manufactured.

Insurance companies almost consistently choose identical aftermarket motorcycle parts to replace damaged bikes after an accident. When the price is cheaper and the quality is as good, if not better than the original, it makes sense to use aftermarket motorcycle parts.

Custom Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
Aftermarket motorcycle parts are essential for customized bikes. Aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, handlebars, frames, foot pegs, mirrors, etc. offer a great number of options in terms of customization. The wide variety of aftermarket motorcycle parts available today makes it easy to create an original looking bike.

There are lots of after market motorcycle parts to make fixing or customizing your bike inexpensive and simple. Before forking out too much cash on a comparable part, take stock of your aftermarket options.

Why Should You Wear A Helmet When You Ride Your Motorcycle

As I am writing this article I am thinking of the recent accident involving the Pittsburg Steelers star quarterback, "Big Ben" Roethlisberger. If he had been wearing a helmet his injuries would not have been nearly as severe.

For most of us bikers a helmet just doesn't fit our perception of what biking is all about, which is freedom! I mean, hey it just doesn't look cool to be on a hog with that little sissy helmet. But, I think it looks way less cool to have your face all scarred up from sliding on it down the road!

According to statistics almost every crash where the rider wasn't wearing a helmet resulted in a major head injury. In one study out of 900 crashes there were 980 head and neck injuries which seems to indicate that the passengers on many of these motorcycles were not wearing helmets either.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada have now made it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet due to the large percentage of fatalities in accidents in which the rider was not wearing one. Of course in the United States, like many other laws it is left up to the individual states to decide the ruling. I know where I live in Florida they repealed the helmet law a few years ago and according to an EMT buddy of mine it has caused a dramatic increase in head injuries.

If you value your brain and your life you should be responsible enough to wear a helmet. Some of the factors that you should consider when buying a motorcycle helmet are below.

All motorcycle helmets consist of two main parts, an inner shell or liner which is made of impact reducing foam and an outer shell which is made to absorb the initial impact and protect your head as well as take all of the damage that the road or other hard object would have done to your head.

When buying a motorcycle helmet you should be sure that it has been approved by the Department of Transportation. If the helmet has been approved it will have a sticker from the government agency stating so. Another sticker that is recognized all over the world is from the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Another thing that is hugely important is making sure that the motorcycle helmet you buy fits properly. You need to make sure that it doesn't fit too loose or too tight. When you take it off there should be no marks on your face from the pressure of the helmet, if so the helmet is too tight.

You also want to be sure that it doesn't wobble around or come off easily. If you are in an accident and the helmet comes off at first impact you may be bouncing down the road on your head!

Choosing A Motorcycle Frame For Your Custom Chopper

Above almost all else, motorcycle frames shape the overall look and feel of your custom chopper. If you're mulling over the idea of building your own custom chopper from scratch or from a custom bike kit, motorcycle frames are the piece around which you'll want to build your design concept. There are several styles of motorcycle frames to consider depending on the look you're going for and how you'll be using your custom chopper.

Measuring Custom Frames:
When comparing custom frames, you'll notice that they are described in terms of "stretch." The amount of stretch in the downtubes refers to how much higher the custom frame is than the stock frame. The stretch in the backbone refers to how much longer the custom frame is than the stock model frame.

Sportster Style Motorcycle Frames:
There are different styles of Sportster motorcycle frames designed for the Sportster engine. Sportster motorcycle frames needs to be extra tough to withstand the weight and rumble of the big Sportster engine. If you're going to have oversized tires on your custom chopper, you'll probably want to choose a Sportster motorcycle frame like the Hardtail Chassis that is built for larger tires.

Rolling Chassis Frames:
Rolling chassis frames are any type of rigid, swingarm, or softail motorcycle frame with front and rear wheel assembly and a stretched backbone or front downtubes. These are different from Sportster softail frames that have no stretch.

Rigid Frames:
In most cases, rigid motorcycle frames are stretch frames that are angled upward. Where other motorcycle frames have both wheels connected to the motorcycle frame through a suspension arrangement, rigid motorcycle frames often forgo the rear suspension.

FRX Frames:
If you're building a racing bike or dirt bike or are going to be riding on rugged terrain and need durability and extra suspension, FRX motorcycle frames may be your best bet.

The Weight Factor:
Make sure to consider the weight of the motorcycle frame before you buy. The weight of the motorcycle frame makes a big difference in how smooth of a ride your custom chopper will have; generally the heavier the frame, the smoother the ride. However, if you're going to be drag racing, you might favor a lighter weight.

Motorcycle frames are literally the backbone of the chopper. You'll want to be selective with all of the parts for your custom chopper, but when it comes to the motorcycle frame be sure to devote a little more time to research, asking questions, and getting opinions. The motorcycle frame is what holds the entire bike together and choosing a quality, heavy duty motorcycle frame is well worth the time spent shopping around.

How Good Motorcycle Security Means Cheaper Insurance

One of the major risks of motorcycles is theft, causing the increase of motorbike insurance all the time. A good preventative measure is to fit your vehicle with security in order to reduce your insurance cost and to deter thieves from trying to steal your pride and joy.

Security devices generally come in different categories ranging from 1 to 5 (1 being the best and most expensive). Below is a list of the category description:

Cat 1: Electronic alarm and immobiliser combined system

Cat 2: Electronic immobiliser (Upgradeable to Cat.1 with an alarm system)

Cat 3: Mechanical device such as a lock or chain

Cat 4: Wheel locking devices

Cat 5: After-theft systems, such as trackers or datatagging.

Each product is reviewed every 12 months, so the category may depend on the age of the system fitted to your vehicle. Although an alarm and immobiliser may start life as a Cat.1 system, after 12 months it may not be considered to be at this level.

The most effective type of security is locks, chains and especially disk locks. Cat. 3/4 devices or physical devices cause the most problems to thieves as they make the bike immobile when anchored. Rather than an electronic system that is reliant on power, mechanical devices can also be the cheapest to buy, although they are perhaps the most effective.

Many insurers do not offer huge discounts when considering security on a motorbike insurance policy, especially when you compare the cost of the security system to the amount of discount on the insurance. Although, many insurers may make the security a condition of the policy, they will not provide a price without a certain category security system fitted to the vehicle; this can be in relation to the value of the vehicle.

An average Cat. 1 alarm and immobiliser system could set you back as much as 350.00 pounds including fitting. These types of systems can include functions such as an alert to your mobile phone if your bike thinks it is being stolen, or a proximity sensor when someone might get too close to your vehicle. Quite often, an alarm and immobiliser such as this may be included and fitted when purchasing a new vehicle.

Many major manufacturers fit a standard immobiliser to their newer models, manufacturers such as Honda, Kawasaki or Yamaha fit newer vehicles with an ignition security system. Manufacturers such as Peugeot fit many of their newer scooters with mechanical security known as a Boa Lock, which can be pulled out from the rear of the vehicle and secured to an anchor point; all in an effort to reduce the cost of your motorbike insurance, as scooters are the most common type of vehicle to be stolen.

The most effective type of security that will always bring cheaper motorbike insurance quotes is a secure brick built garage. Most insurers can give such a large discount for this that the insurer may add an endorsement to your policy, to state that the vehicle must always be kept in your garage whilst at the home address.

Cat. 5 devices (After-theft products) include devices such as trackers, or tagging systems such as alpha dot or datatagging. These devices are designed to recover the vehicle after a theft has taken place. Although tagging systems normally cost between 30 pounds and 60, pounds tracking systems can be very expensive, in addition to the initial cost of the system you will also have a monthly subscription cost to keep the service running.

Motorcycle security is always a good idea; everything helps against the theft of your vehicle. Insurers will always help by reducing the cost of your insurance in accordance with the type of security fitted and where the vehicle is kept at the home address.

Monday, 11 August 2008

Harley 883 For Sale - Things To Consider

When it comes to wanting a Harley Davidson motorcycle the main reason many people do not end up buying one is simply that they cost too much. However one route you go down in order to own such an iconic motorcycle is by buying a used one. In this article we take a look at certain factors which should be taken into consideration when you see a Harley 883 for sale.

1. Before you actually hand over any of your hard earned cash to the seller, spend time carefully checking over the condition of the bike. If considering buying through an online auction site get the seller to send you plenty of pictures showing you the bike from various angles. Also when you visit the bike check it over to see if there are any major dents or scratches on the machine.

It is important before you start haggling over the price over the Harley 883 you get the seller to start its engine up. Plus arrange that you can take it for a test ride as this will provide you with a better opportunity to hear how the engine sounds and also if there is any problems relating to the gearing etc.

2. Along with looking at the condition of the machine you need to ask the seller to provide you with any history for the motorcycle. A good seller will often be able to quickly provide the bikes service history and log book, but if they can not or will not then walk away from the deal immediately.

Plus a seller who is able to show proof of ownership as well as how the bike has been looked after is someone who cares about their machines. In many cases with people like these, you know that the bike will have been well cared for and there are unlikely to be any major mechanical issues with it.

3. When every considering buying a used Harley 883 it is suitable that you do as much research as possible before you phone the seller or place a bid at the auction site. You need to spend comparing the costs of new and used ones against the bike you may want to buy. Doing this can often help with negotiating a far better price with the seller when you do go to buy it.

Along with comparing Harley 883's which were manufactured in the same year as the one you may want to buy, there are other things that you should take into consideration as well. Look both at newer and older models which seem to be in the same condition or which have done the same kind of mileage. Often you will find that these can also seriously effect the price at which the bike is being sold.

By keeping the above in mind when it comes to thinking about buying that Harley 883 for sale close to where you live could end up saving you quite a considerable some when it comes to negotiating the sale price. Along with looking in local newspapers and magazines for these motorcycles, another great place to get a good deal on Harley 883's, which are up for sale, is by going online.

Automotive Fuses Use & Replacements

Automotive fuses are an essential part of the automobile electronic system. With this article we have gathered a large number of resources to help you with on automotive fuses and their replacement.

While you drive your vehicle regularly, you are quite familiar with the term 'Fuse'. As the name suggests, this is a key part of your car or automobiles electronics system. It is typically a small piece of equipment that is associated with the electronics system and is placed to blow out or fuse when something in the system goes wrong.

This part is designed in such a way that it does not create a crisis when it blows out or fuses but will make something on the automobile no longer working. Although the part of your automobile to quit working will be relatively minor, like for instance, it can be the turn indicators, the radio, or even the interior lights. Whatever the condition, if a fuse blows, the devices in question will no longer function.

If ever, you encounter, any malfunction in your vehicle the fuse is the first place to check. For most of us, locating the fuse box in the vehicle might be relatively easy, whereas, still some may have problem locating the error. However, correcting the problem is relatively easy and you will get a feeling of satisfaction knowing you were able to troubleshoot on your own.

We will certainly help to brush you up for the task in hand. Lets start with the automobile fuses. Generally, there are two type of fuses found in most of the automobiles. The first type is a glass, cylinder-shaped with stainless steel on the ends and glass in the middle. The other type is a plastic housing with the fusible link encased in the housing. The fuse box is generally located behind a cover, under the dashboard, or below the steering wheel.

For checking it by yourself you will need to take help from the user manual that accompanies your vehicle. The vehicles manual will help you to identify and position the fuse box a guide on how to access it. Check the cover, with most of the vehicles you can remove with your hand and with the rest follow what the user manual suggests. Once you find the box carefully go through the owners manual to locate the exact fuse number, which might not be functional.

For instance, if the turn indicators are not working find the fuse for it through the numerical chart. When you are able to locate the exact fuse for the task, remove it as suggested in the owner's manual. With most of the vehicles you can remove it with your hands. Take out the particular and determine if it's blown. If the metal coil inside it is separated, it is blown and no longer working and will need replacement. While you look for the replacement of the fuse, look exactly for the amperage rating as the blown fuse.

Using it with different amperage rating may risk either blowing it again, or damaging the equipment it is designed to protect. Once you lay your hands on the exact replacement, you can easily replace it back into the slot given. So identifying and replacing a blown fuse is relatively easy and can be done at home.

Can I Get Custom-Made Motorcycle Frames Anywhere?

Motorcycle aficionados will need Motorcycle Frames at some point, especially if they want their personal motorcycles assembled from scratch for them. But did you know that you can actually get Custom-Made Motorcycle Frames online now?

To have Motorcycle Frames Custom-Made for you, you may need to clarify to the company doing that for you just what you need the Motorcycle Frames for. Like, do you intend to have the Motorcycle Frames installed on motorcycles used in major competitions or are they purely for recreational use? This is quite important for the company to know because Motorcycle Frames for competition use should be made to different standards compared to Motorcycle Frames to be employed for leisure and recreation only. If you take a recreational bike and then start putting it under the rigors of competitive motorcycle racing, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t perform to your expectations (and if it literally breaks down under that kind of use.) You’ll be lucky if you don’t suffer any broken bones as a result of misusing the bike for what it was not designed to do.

Don’t be surprised either if the design you are looking for in Motorcycle Frames is not in stock immediately. Suppliers who create Custom-Made Motorcycle Frames need to maintain a low overhead sometimes so that their costs do not go out of control. A company with huge expenses would then need to pass on those expenses to their customers to stay profitable in this business. If you can wait for your Motorcycle Frames to be crafted for you then shipped to your mailing address, then that would be better. It would also cost you less money.

You may need to inquire if any taxes figure into the cost of the service the company is providing to you. Ask how much shipping costs and how long it will take to ship the order to you (in terms of business days.) In case of sub-standard work provided, you should make sure the agreement you entered into has a return of goods policy, meaning you can get a refund on your purchase should it not meet your specifications. Some companies try to prevent themselves from incurring losses by saying you cannot have a refund on your purchase but you can have it replaced. Such stipulations should be made clear to you from the very beginning – before you even placed an order, actually. A company that is completely up front about its business policies will make sure you understand that, and if you haven’t been informed, will inform you straight at the outset of the transaction.

If you suddenly change your mind and opt to cancel your order, you might have to pay some kind of fine or penalty so that the company can cover its losses. After all, they have people, overhead, and raw materials to pay for so suddenly cancelling an order will make them lose money. To prevent this kind of embarrassing and awkward situation, always review the details of your order before you submit it.

When To Contact Motorcycle Salvage Companies and What to Expect

Lots of people like motorcycles and riding motorcycles is one of an adrenaline junkie's biggest thrills in life. Unfortunately though, motorcycles (like automobiles) may break down under constant use and then need to be repaired. If you are thrifty and want a good deal on the spare parts you need, you may need to contact Motorcycle Salvage Companies.

The Motorcycle Salvage companies you contact should be scrupulous about providing the best Motorcycle Salvage parts you can get for the price you pay. The Motorcycle Salvage companies should also be diligent about inspecting the Motorcycle Salvage parts they intend to offer and sell to you to make sure each of the Motorcycle Salvage parts meet quality standards and have absolutely no defects. It would also help if the Motorcycle Salvage companies offered some kind of guarantee or warranty to make sure you are getting value for your money.

Among the main motorcycle manufacturers whose bike parts Motorcycle Salvage companies might keep in stock are Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda. Each of these have their own respective bike models that they turn out regularly, so be sure you specify which bike model you need Motorcycle Salvage parts for. The year of the model is also very important to specify. Some of the other motorcycle manufacturers whose bike parts Motorcycle Salvage companies might have an inventory of are: Buell, Harley Davidson, BMW, Aprilla, Triumph, and Ducati.

Usually, you might have a choice between the large Motorcycle Salvage companies (who might have vast salvage yards where they take apart and stock Motorcycle Salvage parts) and the smaller Motorcycle Salvage companies. The difference might be that the larger Motorcycle Salvage companies have a much wider array of Motorcycle Salvage parts to offer you while the smaller Motorcycle Salvage companies emphasize service more. It differs from company to company so you need to feel your way.

If you like to take apart motorcycles in your spare time and then put them together (and they actually work afterwards, and beautifully at that), then maybe you should be in the Motorcycle Salvage business yourself. That is how some owners and staff of Motorcycle Salvage companies managed to get into the Motorcycle Salvage business actually. It starts out as a hobby, then when the hobbyist finds himself so proficient at this that he can be considered an expert, he puts up his own company. Of course, to have a salvage yard of any use, you may have to buy land of your own and put up Motorcycle Salvage parts storage facilities. And for that, you are delving into the business side of a Motorcycle Salvage company. Some people do well at balancing the craft of motorcycle mechanics with the business side while some do not, so you may have to decide whether you should focus on one side and hire someone for the other part, or be a jack of all trades in the Motorcycle Salvage business (if you can.)

Wednesday, 6 August 2008

5 Benefits Of Using Synthetic Motor Oils

Lubricants can play a big role in industry. One cannot think about smooth running of industry without using lubricants. Lubricants are used in moving parts or components to ensure that the component remain in good working order. The key role of industrial lubricants is to reduce the amount of friction and wear from the moving surfaces of machinery. As we know that friction causes heat, so lubricants also reduces heat by carrying away from moving surfaces of machinery and cool its components. That’s why lubricants are also termed as the heat transfer fluids. Lubricants prevent moving parts of machinery against rust and corrosion.

Industrial lubricants are prepared of either organic compounds or synthetic compounds. Most of organic lubricants are prepared by refining petroleum substances where as synthetic lubricants are prepared from chemical compounds through a number of chemical processes using some additives for better performance of lubricants.

Lubricants, generally, are found in three physical states – liquid, semi-liquid, and solid. Motor oils, marine oils, turbine oils, gear oils, etc are major form of liquid lubricants. Greases and Vaseline are common name in semi-liquid lubricants. Graphite is the most popular solid lubricants. The powder of graphite is used for lubrication between moving parts of machinery.

The most common kinds of industrial lubricants are motor oils, marine oils, silicone, greases, turbine oils, metal working fluids, cutting fluids, grinding fluids, farming oils, gas engine oils, brake oils, hydraulic oils, etc. The biggest application of industrial lubricants is motor oils which are generally used in motor vehicles, automotive industry and internal combustion engines and provide them better performance, protection, and longer life and ultimately save money.

Different kinds of lubricants are used for the different purposes or different machinery. Not same lubricants should be used in different machinery. By using additives different lubricants are used for the different purposes and functions. The key role of additives used in lubricants is to increase the viscosity of lubricants and reduce oxidation and contamination. Different additives perform different specific task. Some common additives are anti-oxidants, anti-foaming agents, rust & corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators, etc.

There are several types of lubricants are available in the markets categorized by their specific properties and tasks but their key function is to help maintain and keep machinery or engines running smoothly at all times. For example, metal working fluids are kinds of lubricants which are especially used in metal working, glass, and cutting industries.

Metalworking fluids are also termed as coolants or grinding/cutting fluids. They are especially designed using additives suitable for grinding, boring, metal working, glass cutting, and metal cutting, etc. Engine coolants provide excellent protection of all hard metals in the cooling system and engines. They also provide strong resistance against foaming and provider longer life of the cooling systems or engines. Gear oils which are especially used in brake systems, gear boxes and gear systems are also the form of motor oils. In this way, we see that using lubricants in machinery is of great importance. Lubricants play a big role in industry and enable it for smooth running.

Motor Vehicle Personal Injury In Minnesota

Motor vehicle personal injury is an issue that almost anyone can relate to. Many people have either seen, been involved in, or know someone who has experienced an accident. With the wide variety of motor vehicles in the world, and therefore large number of accidents, legal claims come from all over. Each case is different, however, so legal practice has adjusted by branching into different specialty areas within the motor vehicle personal injury category. In Minnesota, the predominant areas of practice include car, boat, bus, motorcycle, plane, truck, and train accidents.

Car

In the event of an automobile accident, the goal of an attorney is to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. This compensation can include medical bills, loss of income or wages, and payment to others to do jobs you can no longer do, such as shoveling snow. If the crash was primarily or completely someone else’s fault, you can also seek compensation for pain and suffering. Cases can also be caused by intentional or reckless conduct. In these situations, the driver responsible for the conduct would be liable. If the accident occurred because of faulty products, such as an air bag malfunction or a tire blowing out, the case would fall under product liability law. Car accidents can result in serious personal injuries such as broken bones, neck and back injuries, brain and spinal cord injuries, and in severe cases, death.

Boat

Minnesota has more registered watercraft per person than other state. due to the presence of over 15,000 lakes. With this large number of watercraft and water traffic, however, the risk for serious boating injury is significant. Most boating accidents are caused by one of three factors. These include inexperienced boaters, intoxicated operators, or boat malfunctions. The most common boat accidents in Minnesota are collisions with other boats or watercraft, slipping and falling due to wet surfaces, boat fires and explosions, and sinking or tipping boats. These accidents can cause serious injuries, including death, broken bones, burns, head/neck injuries, and spine injuries.

Bus

With gas prices constantly on the rise, the use of public transportation has been increasing as well. Although this is good for people’s pocket books, the puts more buses on the road, leading to a higher number of bus-related injuries. There are numerous rules and regulations developed by the Federal Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Safety Administration that help to ensure the safety of bus passengers. These include logging a certain number of hours in a bus before being allowed to carry passengers, acquiring a special license, bus safety features, and performing preventive maintenance on the bus. Due to these rules and regulations, some buses, such as school buses, are considered to be one of the safest groups of vehicles on the road.

Motorcycle

Motorcycle accidents can also be dangerous and deadly, due to no seatbelts and lack of a protective frame. These accidents most commonly occur because of negligence. Although it’s a frequent explanation for an accident, the excuse of “I didn’t see the motorcycle” is not valid. Some of the more common situations in which accidents occur include when an automobile is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle, when a motorcycle is in a car’s blind spot, when large vehicles are present and blocking the driver’s view, or when hazardous road and weather conditions are present. Helmets are one of the easiest and most effective forms of protection for motorcycle drivers, as it significantly lowers the risk of traumatic brain injury or fatalities.

Plane

In the event of an aviation accident, legal issues can be very complex and unique. Legal rules for crashes not involving airline companies or common carriers are similar to those for car accidents. In the event of a common carrier accident, however, strict standards and regulations are in place, and most carries have strong attorneys and insurance companies to protect themselves. In these cases, it is important to find an experienced attorney that can interpret the laws and obtain the best solution possible.

Common carries are required to demonstrate the greatest degree of safety for its passengers. Unique to this type of accident, plane crashes and governed by state, federal, and international negligence laws. In the event of an accident in Minnesota, a victim, or victim’s family, may file a legal claim if the cause included defective onboard computers, fuel tank explosions, poor equipment maintenance, improper loading, or pilot error.

Truck

When accidents involve large trucks (semi-trailer’s, big rigs, 18-wheelers, etc), claims are usually made against trucking companies or negligent drivers. These types of accidents are among the worst considering the size of the vehicle involved. Truck drivers cannot see as well as smaller cars, and do not have very quick maneuverability. Accidents are most often contributed to overloaded freight, driver fatigue, speeding, or substance abuse. Due to these factors, trucking companies and drivers have strict rules that must be followed, including logbooks, time sheets, and higher safety standards then those of other vehicles. Drivers are limited in the amount of time they can drive each day, and these records are crucial to claims against a driver’s alertness or fatigue level. These and a variety of other factors make truck accident litigation much different than a normal car accident.

Train

Most accidents involving trains are somewhat minor, but anytime that a car or person is involved, the results can be quite severe. There is not much that can stand up to the size and power of these massive machines. Train accidents usually include one of the following: collision with another train, derailment, an accident with a car or other motor vehicle, or hitting a pedestrian. Many of these accidents can be caused by the train itself, due to mechanical failure or negligence (such as the brakes failing), heavier than normal cargo loads, or defective railroad tracks. When other motor vehicles are involved, however, most collisions are attributed to aggressive driving of the other vehicle. Railroad companies are required to maintain strict standards of safety, and are the ones responsible for their passengers. Lawsuits involving train accidents contain some of the most specific guidelines and time constraints, since most accidents involve a government owned company.

Although each of these areas are different, there are major themes throughout the broad motor vehicle personal injury category that should always be remembered. In the event of an accident, seek medical assistance immediately, even if you are not aware of serious injury. It is important to determine if any injuries were sustained, some of which can occur subtly at first. If another vehicle or person is involved, exchange your name and number and other pertinent information. If property damage exceeds $2,000, personal injury occurs, or a fatality occurs, it is required by law to promptly report the accident to authorities. When these steps have been completed, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

It is important to act fast after being injured in any type of accident. This will allow the attorney to preserve evidence easier, to obtain witnesses, and to address other important factors. Some cases have certain time limitations on them as well. An attorney that takes the case should have a desire to fight until the end to make sure you receive the amount of compensation you deserve for your losses. Some personal injury cases ultimately go to trial, and the attorney should not be afraid to take on major corporations or insurance companies either. In the eyes of a good attorney, your well-being comes first, and then your rights. Attorney’s are there so you can focus your attention on recovery from an accident. They will take care of the rest.

Different Types Of Motor Homes

If you are interested in purchasing one of the many different types of motorhomes, there are several things that you should know about. People with different needs will require different types of motorhomes. First of all you should select among motorhomes that satisfy the size and inside amenities requirements. For example, there are motorhomes that are designed specifically for 2 to 4 people. There are motorhomes that are smaller (campers, for example) or larger. There are also motorhomes that will have different number of beds. For example, you may look at the motorhomes that have a large double bed over the cabin. Some motorhomes will have the section with a table and chairs that can be converted to an extra bed. Other options are also available.

You should also make sure that motorhomes that you look at satisfy the technical requirements. For example, there are motorhomes with automatic or 5 speed manual transmission. Different motorhomes will have different engines and different fuel requirements (diesel or unleaded fuel). A very important characteristic of motorhomes is the fuel consumption. You will spend a lot of time on the road and with the rising oil prices you should try to lower your gasoline expenses.

Different motorhomes will also have different inside amenities and equipment. There are several items that you might want to think about having in the motorhomes that you are considering. For example, many motorhomes would include such amenities as a chemical toilet with flushing capabilities, shower (may use cold and even hot pressurized water), tanks for holding fresh water and waste water, air conditioner (particularly important if you live in states with hot weather) and even a hot water system (heated with gas). Motorhomes can also usually include a kitchen area with a lot of different kitchen equipment (like a microwave and refrigerator). There are other amenities that will be more specific to your personal needs. The basic specifications provided for all models of motorhomes will include the list of all inside equipment.

Motor Home Extended Warranty

You will find that any motor home that you buy will come with a warranty of some sort. Of course, the warranty will vary depending on whether you buy new or secondhand. New vehicles will attract a longer term warranty than secondhand vehicles, however, at some point the warranty on either vehicle will expire, leaving you exposed to the risks of paying for expensive repairs should something happen to your vehicle after that expiration. And guess what – something normally does happen!! You can, however, protect yourself against this by taking out an extended warranty on your motor home.

For many motor home owners, an extended warranty provides peace of mind and with companies offering extended warranties directly to owners via the internet premiums have come down a lot, thus making an extended warranty quite reasonable. You will find that dealer’s extended warranties are much more expensive because the insurance companies must raise their price to cover the commission paid to the dealer. Online companies don’t have this commission to pay and can therefore offer a better price.

When buying an extended warranty make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. The most reputable companies are underwritten by “A” rated insurance companies, rated by Standard & Poor and others. Do not buy a motor home extended warranty from a company that will not disclose the rating of the company that backs the policy. You will find that extended warranties are available on new and used motor homes, however if a vehicle is very old or has very high mileage, you will not be able to take out a motor home extended warranty.

The cost to protect yourself from expensive repairs will vary on motor homes so here are a few guidelines to assist you.

1. Generally, you will pay more for diesel engines and then depending on the location of the engine, you will pay more or less. Generally rear engines are more expensive.
2. Most companies will exclude Renault built engines.
3. Some modifications on engines will void warranty, however the cost of coverage will be more if a turbo charger is added.
4. There will be a surcharge added for every year added over the first few years of age of the vehicle. With mileage, the surcharges will start earlier.
5. Any accessories added such as satellite dishes, TV, stereo etc…will incur a surcharge.

The best way to find out the cost of a motor home extended warranty is to contact a few companies and get a full run down of all aspects of the policy. In this way you can make an informed decision and then choose the policy that you feel suits you best.

You can find more information by clicking on the link in the resource box, or go to: www.motorhomessite.com