Harley Davidson HOG The Limelight With A Momentous Bike Release And Anniversary Celebrations

By John Vincent

Harley Davidson had a good year in 2008. They opened a new museum dedicated to the history of their brand, their owners club (H.O.G.) reached a landmark 25th Silver Anniversary and they themselves celebrated 105 years of building a cult American Motorcycle.

Now Harley Davidson are fairly adept at holding commemorative festivals and 2008's was certainly no exception. They took over the Milwaukee lakefront for four whole days of parties, run-outs and displays with H.O.G. holding their own bash at Miller Park. On top of this they arranged no fewer than 105 runs from separate Dealerships across the states, all ending at the event and released no less than 14 separate limited edition style modifications to their range.

These limited edition bikes were all painted in the same anniversary livery of copper and black with matching seat and tank decorations as well as some carefully considered detailing, again in copper or black, to many other parts such as the air cleaners or head casings. Some of the models also received a Harley Davidson first in the form of optional ABS with Brembo brake disks with the top of the range machines fitted as standard.

They didn't just fit and modify an existing system either. Instead they designed much of it from scratch even going so far as to hide most of the mechanism within the hub of the wheel. The result was a Harley with wheels that looked exactly as they were meant to but with remarkably efficient ABS.

Top of the Harley Davidson range in 2008 was the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. This is a bike with more features than an American sitcom. It has a 160 Watt stereo system, Satellite Navigation, Cruise Control and even heated leather seats! With the addition of ABS that doesn't even lock up when applied on gravel it becomes something truly magnificent.

Then there's its positively huge Twin Cam 110 engine to consider. There's a full 1803 cubic centimetres of V-Twin power under the tank of these monsters. And it's fully rubber mounted to allow the traditional Harley Shake to continue unhindered without affecting rider comfort over whatever distance you care to ride. It hardly rattles the bike at all but still sounds so beautifully 'Harley' and looks the part as well.

So who would ride a bike like this? Maybe the same kind or person who would ride a Honda Goldwing? No, I doubt it. This bike might fit into the same category as the ubiquitous 'wing' but it has infinitely more style. After all, it's a Harley Davidson and they know a thing or two about image don't you think? Oh, and did I mention that the brakes work on this one? - 21392

About the Author:

Before buying used motorbikes online be sure to check out John Vincents' home: Fasttrack Motorcycles.

Read Driving Articles To Learn How To Save Gasoline

By John Robertson

A drive by your local service station is a quick reminder that fuel prices are rising again. In our current economy, there are many of us that need to find a way to save on the cost of fuel.

Driving articles abound on the internet. You will also find them in many magazines that focus on automobiles and driving. As you read through those driving articles, you will find many tips. Most of those tips are not new, and you may have heard them before. Just remember that using the tips found in driving articles, may increase your mileage as much as 30 percent. That means that a vehicle the is currently getting 22 miles per gallon could squeeze almost 30 miles out of that same gallon of gasoline.

The first tip you will find in many articles is to slow down. The articles speak of a sweet spot for each vehicle. You may need to experiment and keep records in order to find the combination that gives your vehicle the best mileage.

A second tip you will find in driving articles, reminds you to avoid quick starts or stops. A quick start requires more fuel to accelerate your car to highway speeds. In fact, one driving article suggests that you never press the accelerator pedal more than one inch during acceleration. Quick stops also force more fuel into the car's engine and wears down the brakes.

Use of cruise control is suggested in several articles as a way to save fuel. The cruise control in most modern vehicles are controlled by the car's computer. They save gasoline by avoiding the constant pressing and releasing of the accelerator. They also avoid the tendency that we have to speed up over long trips. In addition to saving fuel, they may also save a speeding ticket.

Driving articles will also suggest that you avoid idling you vehicle for over 30 seconds. Modern gasoline engines do not require a warm up time so starting early is not necessary except when needing to have the heat to defrost vehicles that are parked outside overnight. Parking in a garage or carport will avoid this problem. Parking in the shade will also avoid the extra air-conditioning needed to cool a car overheated by the sun.

Another reminder you will find in driving articles is to avoid overfilling the fuel tank. This can force fuel into the vapor units of your car and cause damage. Many fuel pumps at service stations are equipped so that excess fuel is actually returned to the service station's fuel tank and not to yours. Do not waste money paying for gasoline that is not going into your tank.

A final tip is to travel light. That heavy toolbox that you are carrying around lowers your fuel economy. In addition, the golf clubs and extra cartons of soda that you forgot to take into your home reduce economy. Anything that adds weight will lower fuel economy.

You may decide that you cannot use all the tips found in driving articles about reducing fuel consumption. Just choosing a few may make a significant difference in the mileage your vehicle gets. Every gallon saved drops the price of gasoline for all of us. - 21392

About the Author:

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Buying a Used Car: How to Tell if It's Been Wrecked

By Rex Curtis Bush, Attorney at Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence

While you can save tons of money purchasing a used car, it's still a scary proposition. Every year we hear stories about people purchasing used cars that have actually been in major collisions. To be honest, it's easy for auto rebuilders to fix these vehicles up and put them back into the circulation. Unfortunately, we're the ones that have to deal with the long term issues.

In many cases, when a vehicle has been totaled so that the cost to fix it is greater than its value, an insurance company will declare the vehicle a total loss. The owner is typically paid a sum equal to the pre-collision value of the car, and the car may be sold at a salvage auction. In other cases, the owner may be able to keep the totaled vehicle. In either case, there are unscrupulous car owners (whether they purchased the vehicle at auction or are the original owner) who quickly patch up these vehicles and try to turn a profit on them by selling them at full price.

Even if a car looks new and well kept, you might be surprised to learn that it may have sustained major damage. The title to a vehicle will not always reflect this fact. Here are some things that you can do to keep yourself from being taken for a ride when it comes to buying a used car:

1. Check the title of the vehicle. Not every salvaged vehicle will have a notation on the title; in some cases band-aid repairs are done on the sly without a report being issued. But the title is the first place to check. If you see phrases like "scrap," "parts only," "unsalvageable," or "un-rebuildable" then you are dealing with a vehicle that's been involved in a major accident.

You can get a glimpse of this ahead of time by doing a simple online check. You can do this at the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System site. All you have to do is enter a VIN number and the information will pop up for you. Keep in mind this is everything from odometer readings, if it's been lost or stolen, and if the vehicle was ever considered a complete loss. Just go to nmvtis.gov for more information.

Inspect the Vehicle- This is extremely important, and it shouldn't be someone you know. Have a person that is certified in collision repair take on this task for you. They'll be able to give you the telltale signs that could involve a faulty vehicle.

Just Ask- One of the best things you can do is ask the seller if it's been in an accident. Obviously the seller could lie to you, but their reactions will tell you everything. If by chance they are truthful and tell you upfront, then it's important to find out what kind of damage the vehicle has had when it was in an accident.

Get a History Report- Anytime anyone purchases a vehicle, they should get a Carfax or AutoCheck report. They will offer all the red flags that dig into a vehicle's past. However, just because a report is clean doesn't necessarily mean it hasn't been wrecked. In the end, not all problems are reported to the state licensing agencies.

Just make sure you're as thorough as possible when researching a vehicle. All the tips we've given you today should help you get an inside look at the history behind the car you're interested in buying. In order to keep yourself safe, document all your research and conversations you have along the way. If there are any issues you'll already be able to present a case if it goes to court. - 21392

About the Author:

In 25 years as a Utah personal injury attorney Rex Bush has successfully handled over one thousand cases, his largest settlement to date is 3.25 million dollars. Visit his Utah Personal Injury Lawyers website.

Toy Haulers - The New Rave

By Gregory Paul

Recreation has climbed to a new level. Bringing your friends and families along for an enjoyable trip or vacation while you indulge yourself in your hobbies be it quad driving, jet skiing, or fishing has become the rave. People have found to incorporate family activity and socializing with their inner passion; the answer - Toy Haulers.

A toy hauler used to be just a device to transport your big toys. Today, it is a means of expressing your thrill seeking nature and hobbies, without alienating your family and friends. From it's original purpose of hauling and carrying big and heavy toys, It has become a fashionable traveling home.

While toy haulers or truck trailers as some people call it cost less than an RV, it still is quite costly. A lot of people go for used truck trailers as opposed to brand new ones to save some bucks. An intelligent option if I may say so because youd get the same amenities and comfort for a lot less.

Is your investment in your truck trailer as valuable as your money's worth? Does it deliver the utility factor that you need for your activities. Your portable rig must be able to accommodate your storage demands. It must also provide acceptable sleeping quarter standards. Kitchen and it's amenities is quite necessary for long trips. It is important to always remember the primary purpose of the rig is to carry your big toys. It should be able to take in the size and weight of your equipment.

It is strongly advised that you check if the brand of your rig brings with it a reputation of dependability whether you are buying a brand new trailer or a used toy hauler. The type of materials used and the amenities of the trailer itself is a good determinant of the quality of the equipment. If you are buying a used hauler, check the details. Make sure the ramps are functional and the hinges are alright. Check if there are areas that are starting to rust away. Maintenance concerns could give you some problems in the future.

A good trailer should be like a modern household. The basic convenience of a house must be present. A working kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, operational toilet & bath must all be present. One must also be able to tow their rigs with ease, and it must also provide easy access to your cargo.

Various trailer styles and rig floor plans abound to suit our different taste levels. You can even up it a notch by matching the insides of your rig with the toys that you're transporting. Some would go as far as complimenting their vehicles with their trailers.

Infusing one's hobbies with one's social activities has become the new trend. We have found a way to pursue our passion without leaving our loved ones behind. We now can bring our friends along to enjoy our hobby with us. The hauler has come a long way to being just a simple carrier to its present role as a relationship builder. It has come a long way and it looks like it will remain for quite some time. - 21392

About the Author:

Follow your ultimate passion without leaving your loved ones behind. With Travel Trailers For Sale you can now bring along your friends and family to enjoy your weekend past time activities with you. Relationships can only get better with Towable RVs & Campers.

Top Question When Renting A Car

By Jason Hall

There has been on going debates about the importance of taking rental insurance, when you are renting an automobile. Many believe that their own car insurance will cover them while they are driving a rental and other feel that the credit card they use to rent the car offers them protection. Somethings that you should take into consideration is that rental companies only push this rental insurance for two reasons; the first is so that they will make extra money on your rental and the second is so that the rental insurance will protect their car. In the end, their car is all that is important to them.

The following are some of the most common questions that people have about this type of insurance and the answers may surprise you.

Q: DOESNT MY REGULAR CAR INSURANCE POLICY COVER ME WHEN I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR?

A: This is a big YES! Almost all car insurance companies will cover you, even when you are driving a rental car. I would, however, suggest that you contact your insurance company prior to getting your rental just to be 100% sure.

Q: IF I RENT A CAR WITH MY CREDIT CARD, WILL THAT COVER ME FOR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR?

A: There is not straight yes or no answer for this question. Most of the major credit card companies do offer additional rental insurance, however you should always check prior to using it for your rental.

Q: IF MY CREDIT CARD AND INSURANCE COMPANIES COVER ME FOR RENTAL, DO I STILL NEED TO TAKE OUT CAR RENTAL INSURANCE FROM TEH RENTAL COMPANY?

A: NO, NO, NO....Although many companies will tell you that you are not covered under any insurance but theirs, this is absolutely not true. The truth is, the insurance coverage that is offered from a rental car company will provide you will no covers that you are not already be offered through your insurance and credit card companies.

So before yo arrive at the rental car company to pick up your vehicle check with your insurance and credit car companies to see what you are covered for. This will make you more confident when you refuse the rental companies insurance and you will be saving a lot of money. - 21392

About the Author:

Jason Hall is an expert in the rental car fields and can provide you with all the information that you need for a car rental Queensland. Before your next Australian vacation check out his articles to ensure you are getting a car hire Queensland that is reliable.