Archive for March 2010
A Guide to Motor Scooters
March 28, 2010 | 
Author Motor scooters are vehicles with small wheels and a low-powered gasoline engine geared to the rear wheel. The first patents for “foot powered” scooters date back to 1921. Up to that time there were no motors attached to the scooter. They were propelled by “foot power.”
The old-fashioned foot-powered push scooter was updated to a Razor motor scooter under the direction of Gino Tsai, whose father was a mechanical engineer for the J. D. Corporation in Shanghai, Taiwan. His motor scooter took about 5 years to design.
Gino Tsai claims that the reason he invented the Razor motor scooter was due to the fact that his father had to walk for miles every day around the huge bicycle factory that he worked for because of his short legs. To solve this problem he updated the old-fashioned push scooter into what we now know as the modern Razor motor scooter.
When Gino finished the development of his motor scooter he began to market it to the public. It quickly became a huge success with customers waiting as long as six months for their orders.
Why was the Razor motor scooter so popular? The Razor scooter was made from lightweight airplane grade aluminum which can support over 1000 pounds without bending. It is foldable, which means it can be stored in very small places. It has small polyurethane wheels and a low-powered engine. Braking is activated by stepping down on the rear fender.
Today there are many different brands and models of motor scooters. We have electric scooters and gas powered motor scooters. They are very versatile and functional, serving many different purposes. They are patterned after motorcycles, but have smaller wheels, lower-powered engines and can be “stepped through,” unlike the motorcycle.
The most commonly seen style of scooter is the “folding,” or “foldable,” scooter. These are two-wheeled models that are typically used for traveling short distances around the neighborhood. Braking occurs when the back fender is stepped on, putting pressure on the back wheel and stopping its movement. This type of motor scooter is made for kids or adults and can also be used to perform tricks on. It is very compact in size and can be folded for storage in small places.
A unique feature of freestyle folding motor scooters is the “kicktail,” a portion of the foot deck that extends over the back wheel. This is what provides the leverage for performing tricks. Motor scooters with “kicktails” are called freestyle scooters and usually have hand brakes due to the fact that the back fender allows for the performance of tricks instead of braking.
Electric scooters are generally bigger and heavier. Because of the extra weight they consume more power and can only go shorter distances when compared with the folding scooters. After about 10 or 15 miles it may be necessary to recharge the battery.
These electric, or battery-powered, motor scooters are often used to travel short distances around the neighborhood or perhaps on a school campus or other confined environment. They are particularly popular among the elderly, handicapped and disabled. Instead of being confined at home these elderly or handicapped people can now have some of their former independence returned to them. Motor scooters of this type are usually called mobility scooters.
Gas powered motorized scooters are usually more powerful and can attain higher speeds than the folding scooters or electric scooters. They can also travel longer distances when a larger fuel tank is included. Gas scooters may not be permitted in some areas so it is wise to check out the laws and regulations in your area before purchasing a motor scooter.
Posted in Motorcycles | 
Tags: electric, foldable scooter, gas, J. D. Corporation, motor, motorcycle, Motorcycles, motorized, polyurethane wheels, powered, push scooter, racing, Razor, razor motor scooter, razor scooter, scooter, scooters, Shanghai, Taiwan | 
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‘Tune yourself’ with the best performance software
Are you one of those passionate drivers, looking to extract maximum power from their engines without having to sacrifice the simplicity, safety and comfort that come with owning a European car? You now have but one choice – getting a big turbo software!
There are many available now on the market! The unitronic turbo software comes in a number of hardware configurations for most Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Volvo applications. There are also programs for all setups: from street/track monsters to quarter mile beasts. For certain setups that are not yet available, you can choose the dyno tuned custom software, tailored to your needs. There are many factors that determine how any software will react to your specific setup. This turbo software I’m telling you about is developed in house along with a network of enthusiasts constantly testing and data-logging to ensure the best drivability. In certain cases, there will be free software updates released, providing the best in drivability and performance.
The benefit of this special software over standalone engine management is that all the original manufacturers’ safety limits and functions are retained. By properly modifying the parameters which manage the engines power delivery and output, the original startup and driving characteristics will be maintained in all climates.
The performance software version introduces to you the smoothest and most reliable power gains available for your vehicle. All programs are precisely tuned for all driving conditions to bring you the most reliability. Professionals know that dynamometer test results are an over simplifications. They only tell part of the story since the engine is tested only at full throttle. You don’t drive all day with your foot to the floor. That’s why you need a performance software, one that will maximize the power and torque you need in everyday driving conditions, where (we drivers know!) running smooth and brisk acceleration are equally as important. The unitronic performance software comes with an unconditional 30 day money back guarantee. The 30 day grace period will ensure that your expectations are met. If for any reason you are not satisfied, you may return it to your place of purchase for a full refund. Unitronics is all about your driving satisfaction. A risk-free satisfaction guarantee gives you total peace of mind.
And if you didn’t know, last year, in April, UNISetting was released. This useful application, developed by unitronic for the Bosch Motronic Me7 system, allows the user to manipulate and adjust the built-in ECM adaptation channels to enhance the enthusiast’s particular setup – from stock to modified, oct specific tweaks and adjusting for larger Injectors to better suit performance and drivability. The application is, in fact, a USB based interface (the first of its kind!) to work with any Generic FTDI USB Communication interface. This device actually enables you to use your USB VAG-COM Cable Ver.A, B or C to make minor tweaks to your ECM! Be careful! If you need a VAG-Com Cable to use this amazing tool, be sure to get the Genuine Ross-Tech Vag-com Cable.
So, if the answer to my introductive question is yes, stop thinking and order your software today! Get and feel the power you always wanted! You will be amazed! There is no doubt that the products of one of today’s leading innovative OEM ECM tuners are specially designed to offer you the best in performance and quality!
Posted in Cars | Tags: Audi, audi porsche, BMW, dyno service, engineering, free software updates, horsepower, performance, power, programming, reliability professionals, Renault, Ross-Tech, software, turbo, turbo software, Uk cars, unitronic, unitronics, uno turbo tuning, volkswagen audi, VW, waterfest | No Comments »
A Guide To The Oxford And Cambridge University Boat Race
I have been fascinated with the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge University for as long as I can remember. I didn’t attend any of these top two British Universities, nor do I have an avid enthusiasm for rowing but this traditional race of the two boats over exactly 4 miles and 374 yards still holds a fascination for me. I am not alone as the televised event is broadcast, from the historic River Thames, to hundreds of countries and has an audience of millions. The idea for the boat race between these paragons of academia was dreamt up by two students, both named Charles, funnily enough. Charles Merivale was at Cambridge University and Charles Wordsworth was at Oxford.
Cambridge issued their challenge to Oxford on March 12th 1829. Ever since then, it has been a tradition for the loser of a year’s race to challenge the other boat to a rematch the following year.
On 10th June 1829, thousands of enthusiastic people descended on the small town of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. They were there to witness the first ever staging of the Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge’s best rowing teams. In a rather embarrassing turn of events the race had to be stopped shortly after both boats had begun to be rowed. It was restarted and Oxford was the winner of the first boat race against Cambridge.
One thing that I didn’t realise about the Boat Race until fairly recently was that the members of both crews do not get any special dispensation as far as their studies go. If they can’t keep up with their academic commitments then the students must resign from that year’s boat squad.
The Boat Race is on a Sunday in March or April and the main event is preceded by a competition between Isis and Goldie. These are the reserve boats for Oxford and Cambridge in that order. About half an hour later the Blue Boats, as the first teams of each University are known, takes place. Cambridge is light blue and Oxford dark blue.
Posted in Boats | Tags: academic commitments, boat, boating, Boats, Cambridge, Charles, Charles Merivale, Charles Wordsworth, Goldie, henley on thames, Henley-on-, Isis, Oxford, oxford cambridge, Oxfordshire, Race, river thames, sailing, Thames, two boats, University, yachting, yachts | No Comments »
Car Audio – What To Know Before You Buy Used Car Audio Systems
If you are looking for a car audio system and would love to save a little money when purchasing, you should consider buying a used system. Many people think you can only get quality sound from new equipment, but that is not true. You can find great packages that are sold directly from another consumer if you know what you are looking for. There are a few things to remember before making a purchase however. If you are considering buying a used system, think about these things before you throw down any cash.
The first thing to consider is what you need. You should always be aware of what your automobile can handle before purchasing a used system. When you go to a store to purchase new equipment, the salesperson usually assists you on knowing what you need. When you are purchasing from a consumer however, you may not be getting correct information. Since most consumers won’t offer a refund policy, you will need to know that the equipment will work on your car before buying it.
The best way to figure out what you need is to go your research. Go to a salesperson or a audio specialist and ask them about the specific equipment you are looking at. Ask them if it will work in your car. You may even have to let them inspect your car, but they can likely tell you whether or not it will work over the phone. After you know that the equipment will work for your car, you will need to make sure the equipment works as it should. Ask to test the equipment, if it is not in a car at the time.
If you cannot test the equipment, you might not want to purchase it. Even though someone might tell you it works fine, they may not be as honest as you would like to think. Most sellers are honest, but there are a few who will try to trick you and you don’t want to be their next victim. So, be sure that you know what you need for your current automobile and be sure the car audio system you are looking at is still usable. If you do these two things, you will be able to save yourself a lot of money by purchasing used quality equipment. It is always great to save money, but you only want to purchase used equipment that will work for you. If you don’t, then you really haven’t saved anything at all.
Posted in Audio Video | Tags: audio specialist, car, car audio, car audio system, car stereos, equipment, quality sound, salesperson, speakers, specific equipment, system | No Comments »
2 Way Car Alarms: Wave Of The Future
2 way car are alarms bringing automobile protection systems into the future. A car alarm is now so much more than just a loud ringing noise when the vehicle is invaded. A 2 way car alarm is now able notify you remotely via pager when the alarm is activated. They also provid the ability to start and control the car from a distance. These special alarms can do nearly everything short of driving the car for you!
The technology, often utilizing FM radio waves, is not endorsed by some law enforcement officials because of the fact that real-time notification of theft activity might turn some car owners into vigilantes. It is seen as a trade-off in citizen safety to have the ability to try to intervene in a theft in progress. However, the remote action options available with 2 way car alarms, including door locks and trunk release, have allowed some car owners to derail a theft from as much as 2,500 feet away.
Many 2 way alarm manufacturers build GPS systems into their alarm units, which is a valuable tool in recovery of stolen vehicles. The ability to track and pinpoint the location of a stolen vehicle has helped reunite many owners with their cars. However, the satellite technology used by these 2 way car alarms is far from foolproof since the signals only work when line-of-sight is possible. They can can be obstructed by solid objects including below ground parking facilities. Still, it’s a great advance in fighting auto theft.
Posted in Trucks and SUVs | Tags: 2 way car alarms, alarm, Best Car Alarms, car, Car Alarm Systems, car alarms, citizen safety, door locks, law enforcement officials, radio waves, way | No Comments »