Archive for December 6th, 2009

So we just spent $700 to $3000 on a new scooter. We were all excited about our new purchase, enjoying the air, the great gas mileage, and this peppy little way to get around town. We took it home, drove it a bunch for a month or three and then we started noticing little things going wrong. It lost its zip, it’s making funny noises, it doesn’t have much power, it doesn’t start easy, it just doesn’t seem to be the same anymore. We all scratch our head and wonder, “What happened to my great little scooter and why is it falling apart already?”

It’s because when we bought the scooter, no one told us the truths about these scooters, and what we need to do to still feel like we made a good purchase and enjoy this wonderful machine. Continue reading ‘Do You Have Brand New Scooter Problems? What They Don't Tell You When You Buy a New Scooter’ »

A good, strongly built camper trailer can be taken just about anywhere you can go in your four wheel drive. A trailer with high clearance, longer draw bar and a good offroad coupling will track and articulate over all manner of rough and uneven bush tracks, enabling you to get to the most remote outback or bush campsites and set up a comfortable camp with your trailer as the centerpiece.

However there are some important considerations before you head off into the wilderness.

Most trailers weigh between 500kg and 750kg, more when loaded or carrying water, extra fuel etc. That can be a lot of dead weight behind your vehicle. So remember that just because your 4wd will go there, don’t expect to go there just as easily with your trailer! Spend some time on some familiar offroad terrain to get used to the difference towing a trailer makes to the performance of your vehicle on these tracks. Hitting a steep hill in the wrong gear and running out of power could be a nightmare, and three point turns on switchbacks take on a very new meaning with a loaded trailer in tow! And dunes and slippery hills may prove impassable where a well equipped vehicle might have pushed though. Get used to slowing and stopping, especially down hills. Electric and hydraulic brakes work differently so if the trailer is equipped with brakes, get the feel of how they operate and how to use them. Continue reading ‘Where Can I Take My Camper Trailer?’ »

Motorcycles have become increasingly popular amongst Americans, particularly the younger generations. While many people enjoy large cruising bikes, others prefer sport and dirt bikes. Over the past few years, motorcycle racing has been gaining steam and has become all the rage. Pro riders are achieving celebrity status all across the globe and becoming household names. If you’re new to motorcycle racing and looking to learn a little bit about the sport, here is a quick that will get you on your way to becoming an aficionado.

There are two major types of motorcycle racing. One of the most popular is street racing, which includes professional series such as the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix and the Superbike World Championship. The other type of racing is an off road variant that includes the Motocross World Championship and the AMA Motocross Championship. Continue reading ‘Professional Motorcycle Racing Gains Popularity’ »

Do you want factory or aftermarket? Factory systems, in general, have improved in quality and now offer a lot of different audio-system choices. Some offer branded systems from Bose, Harman-Kardon, Infinity, and other aftermarket companies that are tailored to a vehicle’s interior.

Factory systems provide an integrated look too, with lighting and controls matching the rest of the dashboard. Knobs and dials are often bigger and easier to use, and many systems come with controls on the steering wheel. And they can be covered by your new-car warranty, which can make service easier if problems happen. Continue reading ‘How to Choose a Car Audio System’ »

Maybe you’ve been there before. You’ve been riding hard for the last couple hours, conquering boulders, mud, and tight spots until suddenly you find yourself good and stuck, and no amount of pushing, pulling, or cursing will make your vehicle budge. You’ve got a winch. The problem is there’s not a rock, tree, or stump in sight and no buddy around to pull you out. How are you going to find an anchor point to winch out? Roll up your sleeves and get ready to move some dirt. It’s time to dig a dead man.

Digging your own anchor is a last resort, but when you find yourself in a desperate situation, miles from civilization, it may be your only option. Here’s how you can make your own winch anchor if the situation calls for it. Continue reading ‘Advanced Winching Tips For Off Road Recovery – How to Dig a Dead Man Anchor’ »