12th October 2006

Painting Your Chopper Motorcycle

PROFESSIONAL AIR BRUSH KIT

Professional air brush kit is the most basic tool which is required to paint a chopper motorcycle. It sprays enamels lacquers inks and other liquids, which operate on fifteento fifty pounds per square inch pressure. It is an internal combine air brush with twin action trigger, which gives only single finger control of air-flow and pattern width. To assure more uniform coverage, an internal combine air brush is used. By using it, you can paint each and every part of your chopper motorcycles as its pattern adjusts from fine line 1/16 inches to broad 1-1/2 inches. It can easily used with the help of compressor or carbon dioxide tank. Air brush with 1/4 - oz. ink (paint) jar, one 2 - oz. jar and two 3/4 - oz. ink (paint) jars with covers, for detail work one ink (paint) tip is also included in professional air brush kit.

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PAINT STRIPING TOOL

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Paint striping tool is used to paint the dges of a chopper motorcycle. With the help of paint striping tool, you can easily paints a single line or two parallel lines at same time. It can also be used to make latest and hottest designs on your chopper motorcycle.

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Making your own custom designs can be proved very valuable as it is different from the various designs which are easily available in the market. Six striping wheels (two 1/16 inches two 1/32 inches one 3/32 inches and one 1/4 inches), four spacers (two 1/16 inches one 1-32 inches and one 3/32 inches), additional washer, storage tray, two 1/2 - oz. jars, instructions and idea booklet are also included in this tool kit.

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GRAVITY FEED AIR SPRAY GUN

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Gravity feed air spray gun is very fast as compare to any other spray gun available in the market. Gravity feed air spray gun kit is the best spray gun as it includes additional nozzle, air cap, and separate needle sets. For more efficient ink (paint)flow, better control and easier maneuvering overhead cup is included in the kit. The removable air regulator is used to controls the air pressure and allows the user to use the ink (paint) of any thickness. It also maintains the desired pressure and it is unaffected by the power the compressor

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12th October 2006

Venues & Bike Rallies in Cape Town

When it comes to rallies, Cape Town’s got the venues. Coast to coast, the scenery is spectacular, the roads are pothole free and un-policed and the campsites are a plenty.

But First a Few Rules…

Municipalities and campsite owners view motorcycle rallies with a little trepidation. They are a very territorial, especially when the areas involved are out on the edges of Cape Town. “Dirty Banners” “Doughnuts” and “rude behaviour” are frowned upon by the locals.

Venues:

Ellensrust Campsite

Ellensrust campsite in Stilbaai is right off the N2 to Mosselbay. Featuring a spacious caravan park next to a lagoon. Just take the Stilbaai turn off and look left approximately 25 kms down the road, you’ll see the signs.

Catch the Freedom Road Rally at this location which is organised by the Christian Motorcycle Association.

No firearms are permitted on this site.

Nekkies Holiday Resort

This venue near Worcester can be found along the infamous Breede River. Includes braai areas, hot showers, swimming pool and a tarred drag strip.

Here you’ll catch the Annual Swallows Rally happening on the 24th – 26th of March. This rally is said to be one of the most talked about in Cape Town – Curious? Then find out why!

Mossel Bay

The Buffalo Rally in Mossel Bay is for motorcycles only…you have been warned! Hosted by Nomads Motorcycle Club, this is one event not to be missed.

Basically, anything goes at the Buffalo Rally, just respect the property of others. No cars. bakkies, quads, trailers and caravans will be allowed access to the campsite.

No-one knows exactly where this rally will take place! One thing is for sure though, when in Mossel Bay you’ll know it when you see it.

As usual, badges, caps, belt buckles and t-shirts will be on sale.

See you at “The Buff”

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12th October 2006

Discount Motorcycle Helmets Should Offer Maximum Protection

Everyone likes getting a great deal, but when it comes to motorcycle helmets, saving a few dollars shouldn’t be more important than ensuring the purchase is a sound one. Safety helmets for motorcycle users are the law in many states, optional in others. Discount motorcycle helmets are a good option for those that need to save cash, but it’s important to make sure the purchase is sound.

Motorcycle helmets are meant to protect the head, and in the case of those with visors, the eyes as well. This is particularly important since the head and eyes are very vulnerable on people who ride motorcycles. There are myths that exist that say helmets can break necks, block vision and impair the hearing of the wearer, but these are simply myths. Especially so if the helmet is rated for safety and is properly fit to the wearer.

A good helmet, no matter the price, will protect a rider’s head and in conjunction with educational courses, can save a life, too. Helmets work for a number of reasons with the four standard components coming together to provide maximum protection. The typical helmet has the following parts:

* Outer shell. This is the visible part of the helmet.

* Impact-absorbing liner. This is located inside the shell and offers cushions to absorb shocks instead of your head.

* Comfort padding. This is the visible foam/cloth layer that rests on the head. It helps make the helmet more comfortable and also provides a more snug fit, or should.

* Retention. This is the chin strap. This is important because it keeps the helmet in place in the event of a crash.

Choosing a good helmet, discount or otherwise, should be a careful process. Although the outer appearance will no doubt catch attention, what’s inside is the most important. Protection should be the first consideration.

When looking at helmets, there are a few different options. They include:

* Solid face coverage. This type of helmet has a full-face visor that offers the most protection for the face. The shield is generally moveable and provides good coverage for the eyes as well.

* Three-quarter. This type of helmet is considered an “open face” helmet. It doesn’t offer the chin and face the protection of a total coverage model. Open-face helmets can come with snap-on shields or some riders opt to go with goggles to protect their eyes. Eye protection is not only important for obvious reasons, but also because road hazards such as stones or even bugs can cause visibility issues and even injury and accidents.

* Half-helmets. These protect almost none of the head and have a tendency to come off in a crash.

Helmets that provide the best protection are rated for doing so. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Snell Memorial Foundation both test helmets and give their seals of approval to those that meet a few test requirements. Look for these endorsements.

Once you’ve checked out helmets and made sure they have DOT or Snell ratings, or both, it’s important to make sure a helmet fits correctly. Make sure what you buy not only offers protection, but is comfortable and doesn’t block vision.

Using a helmet is not only the law in a number of states, it’s a smart way to go. Motorcycling can be fun, but there are a few dangers that go along with it. Helmets can reduce at least a few of the dangers

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12th October 2006

Motorcycle Thoughts

I’ve heard many non-motorcyclists make stereo-typical and condescending remarks alluding to the mentality of motorcyclists. Comments which classify riders into groups depending on what type or make of motorcycle one rides. What kind of pessimistic person would deem a “Harley” rider a ‘bad-boy, looking for a fight’ or a sport-bike rider an ‘irresponsible punk, trying to go fast’? It seems to me that most people who have never ridden a motorcycle make these types of interpretations out of fear or ignorance. While it is true that there are those motorcycle riders who DO fit the stereo-typical persona, it is also true that there are more absent-minded and oblivious drivers of gas-guzzling SUVs.

I was once told that “after riding motorcycles for a while, you will become a better motorist.” I really did not believe this to be true. However, after a couple of years and several thousands of miles later, I not only understand, but also fully believe its accuracy. Without the protection of a car’s safety features and encasement from the elements, motorcyclists are forced to develop a 6th sense. Our skills are honed to recognize the difference between a driver’s absent minded swaying and one who intends to quickly switch lanes.

While this skill is not inherent, it is very wide spread throughout the motorcycle community. Personally I think this is one of the biggest reasons that passing motorcyclists wave to each other; we all know what its like to be on two wheels and cut off, or worse yet have a driver switch lanes while we are right next to them.

Of course dealing with these issues comes with the territory; offset by one’s personal love for motorcycles. Riding motorcycles have many advantages. Including splitting traffic (where allowed by law), extremely good fuel economy, relaxation as well as many others. I have often wondered how substantial big-city traffic jams would be reduced if 30 – 40% would just ride a motorcycle. I’m sure this would greatly impact the smog pollution as well. Maybe this could also offset the summer gas price increases.

While my thoughts may go unheeded, perhaps they will give non-motorcyclists a different point of view from which they may expound their narrow-mindedness. I am an AMA member and I would recommend all motorcyclists to join, street or dirt. The AMA organization has done a lot to support and further protect us. Representing / supporting this organization can only better all of our experiences

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12th October 2006

A Guide to Buying Used Bikes in Cape Town

Buying a used bike can be a real challenge. You’ve looked around, your phone bills are through the roof and last thing you need is a new ball and chain. So here are a few pointers…

Buying second hand motorcycles from a dealer can be a safer option. Contrary to popular belief, dealers offer a range of benefits you’re not likely to receive from a private seller including:

· A 30 day warrantee on the clutch and gearbox
· You receive the maximum protection of the law
· Obtaining credit is easier
· The bike usually comes fully serviced

Buying Privately

While buying privately can save time and money, it carries more risk. A number of people have actually purchased used bikes in Cape Town that were stolen. In some cases the vehicle has belonged to a finance company, as it was used as security for a lone. A few more pitfalls include:

· The bike may not have been serviced and does not normally come with a warranty.
· Remember that the buyer also has fewer rights
· Unscrupulous dealers often pose as private sellers when wanting to rid themselves of a no-seller.

When buying second hand motorcycles…

Check the mechanical safety of the vehicle; there should never be any compromise on this point. Also, keep in mind that anyone who buys a stolen vehicle in South Africa has no rights.

Check the identification numbers. These are the number plate or vehicle registration number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) and last but not least the engine number.

Grey Imports

Many of the used bikes in Cape Town are grey imports, sounds bad but that just means they were not imported by registered dealer. Most of the time the bikes are fine. However, the clock readings on many of these are not accurate.

The best bet would be to consider the condition of the bike over what the clock reads. Here you will need the help of someone who knows the mechanics of motorcycles.

Take it to the AA

If unsure about the bike, but sure it’s a great deal you’d not like to miss. Take it to the AA for a check up. It’s worth the few hundred Rands you’ll spend.

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