Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Motorcycle Tire Care and Maintenance

!: Motorcycle Tire Care and Maintenance

What good are all the cool accessories, chrome, etc. you've purchased if they end up sliding down the road without you because a tire blew out? And that's not to mention the road rash or worse, having your parts strewn across the pavement. Tires are the most important safety factor on your bike - yet many bikers neglect them, cut costs, or are unaware of all the factors that affect them. Tires support the weight of the vehicle chassis off the ground. They help absorb shocks from the road surface. They transmit traction and braking forces to the road surface and change or maintain your direction of travel. Your tires control steering, stopping, position and acceleration - all the major safety factors. This is not an area to skimp on or neglect.

Tires are even more important to the group of cyclists that do touring. The longer distances and typically heavier loads increase the chances of failure. Do you know what your bikes load capacity is? Do you know how much your bike weights if you are riding two up with cargo?

Tires are abused more often than any other system on your bike. They have to stand up against extremes in temperature, exposure to the elements, potholes, and debris on the road. Now add incorrect inflation and overloading, wheel spin, lockup, a significant amount of straight road driving, and you can understand how important it is to monitor your tires. The National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety as assembled by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) states that tire punctures are the major cause of all the vehicle failures that result in a crash.

The air inside of the tires carries the weight of the motorcycle, not the tires themselves. The tire's ability to hold air pressure, the amount of air pressure, and the amount of space between the tire and wheel available to hold the air, determines what a tire can support. It is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for load and inflation. Your owner's manual will guide you on load limits of your bike's chassis and suspension, and the sidewall of your tires will have inflation information. This information can also be found on the VIN plate, which is usually near the steering head.

Slow leaks can result in blowouts. Conscientious bikers know that tire pressure should be checked during your pre-ride inspection. Tires have to be checked when they are COLD. Even if you ride a mile, they will heat up and show a higher pressure. Wait one hour if you have been riding your bike. Make sure that the stem cap is on tight. Centrifugal force may open the valve inside the stem.

It is also very critical that your tire gauge be accurate. How do you know if it is? The best way is to compare with several people at the same time. If you all measure the same tire, you can compare how your gauges read. Some gauges have flashlights; some have sound so that you can check your tires in the dark. Other factors are large display, digital read out. Use a top quality gauge. Never bleed air out of a hot tire!

When tires are under inflated they have to flex more when the tire flattens to meet the road. This causes excess heat and premature tire wear. It could also cause a catastrophic failure. A tire can also rotate (slip) on the wheel. If you are using tube type tires, this can cause the valve stem to be pulled from the tube.

In addition to checking inflation with an accurate gauge, observe the tire's overall appearance. If you notice tread groove stress cracks, sidewall cracks, blisters, bulges, uneven wear, cuts, punctures, flat spots and knots - replace the tire! It cannot be repaired. If you are unsure, call the manufacturer. Do not rely on wear bars. How does the bike feel when you are riding it? Is there a change? Is it difficult to steer? Vibration and wobble are very serious and you should stop immediately.

Trailers can cause problems with your tires in addition to handling problems. The extra weight of the trailer tongue combined with quick starts and stops put too much stress on the back tire and can cause it to fail. At best, you should be sure the load rating is up to the task and expect accelerated wear on the rear tire. Some accessories can increase load as well, so you should consider the cumulative weight of all of your bolt-ons.

Dunlop recommends the following guidelines:

For touring motorcycle loading

A. Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lbs total) - minimum tire

pressure of 32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be maintained.

B. Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200lb. Total up to maximum

motorcycle capacity stated in the owner's manual - pressure of 36 psi front and

40 psi rear must be maintained.

For any dual riding or fully loaded use, 40 psi must be maintained in all Dunlop rear tires fitted to touring motorcycles.

When you decide to replace your tires, keep these factors in mind. Do not use maximum power, do abrupt lean overs or extreme corning until you have ridden at least 100 miles. Let the tire cool for three hours and then check inflation pressure. This allows you to get use to the new feel and handling of the bike. New tires will have a different lean over edge. If you have only replaced one tire, use caution until you have tested the handling.

Make sure that you have your tires balanced, and rebalanced any time that a tire is removed.

Motorcycle tire repairs leave no room for error and should be done by a professional. Tire repair should be done from the inside only, with the tire off of the wheel. You should not go more that 50 miles per hour for the first 24 hours and never go 80 or above. The wheel must still be in good condition, not bent or cracked, and the general condition of the tire must be good with no cracks. The tire should have at least 1/32 of an inch of tread depth excluding tread wear indicators. Never repair a punctured tire with a tube. Dirt and moisture will enter the tire and can cause the tire to come apart. Do not use a tire sealant. After the repair, the valve assembly should be replaced and the tire/wheel rebalanced.

Use only a mild soap to clean your tires. Do not store them in sunlight, near electrical motors or where they can be exposed to gas and oil.

We all know that bike tires can be expensive. And if you ride a heavy cruiser or tourer, or a sport bike with a penchant for the soft sticky ones they seem to burn up altogether too quickly. However, if you seriously consider the consequences, choosing not to replace worn or damaged tires can be painfully more expensive.


Motorcycle Tire Care and Maintenance

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Friday, December 9, 2011

PYLE PLMCA10 100 Watts Motorcycle/ATV/Snowmobile Mount MP3/Ipod Amplifier with Dual handle-bar Mount Weatherproof speakers W/FM Radio

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This weatherproof speaker system is what you need to listen to high-quality auto on your motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile! It comes with two 3” 50-watt weatherproof speakers, amplifier, and a dot matrix LCD display showing FM frequency and clock. Listen to FM stations or plug your MP3 player or iPod into the included 3.5mm jack to listen to your favorite music on this stylish system. Take total control of your sound with the included volume, treble, and bass digital controls. Easy mounting brackets and accessories are included to make installation a quick process. Now you can listen to music on the go, anywhere – thanks to Pyle’s Cycle Series speakers and amplifiers.

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

1000 lb Heavy Duty Motorcycle Scooter Dirt Bike Hauler Rack Carrier with Cargo Basket and Loading Ramp

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  • Durable black powder coat finish; Heavy Duty construction high quality carrier
  • 71" long carrier track; Main tube length 31 1/2"; 4 tie down bars
  • Raised Adjustable Wheel stop keeps scooter from rolling forward
  • 58" long loading ramp included stores under carrier
  • Includes 66-1/4" x 15-1/4" x 2-1/2" cargo basket for gas cans and gear

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Clymer Manuals BMW R75/5 On The Lift Classic Motorcycle Road Test R50 R60 R75 BMWMOA

www.clymer.com 800-262-1954 http Welcome to On the Lift episode two, sponsored by Clymer Manuals. I'm James Grooms, Editorial Director. We're at the Tech Center today and on the lift we have a 1970 BMW R75/5. See also R50 and R60. The /5 ( slash five ) series, introduced for the 70 model year, was a real watershed bike for BMW motorcycle production. The previous generation of machines [ post war wwII R50 R50/2 /2 R60 R60US R69 R69S ] were known for their reliability, comfort and quiet operation. Once exclusive attributes to BMW, however, many of the new models from Japan [ Honda in particular with the CB350, CB450 and revolutionary CB750 ] now achieved this at a lower price along with impressive performance. Greatest ever motorcycles discovery The /5 was available in 500, 600 and 750 cc capacities... this being a 750, thus the R75 designation [ R50/5 R60/5 ]. While relying on BMWs trademark air cooled boxer twin, the model is a radical departure in many ways from the previous models. A telescopic fork replaced the Earles leading link fork. 12 volt electrics replaced a 6 volt system. And to the horror of many a BMW loyalist the bike was available in a color combination other than schwartz mit weiss. The horizontally opposed twin [ boxer, flat twin or airhead ] with overhead valves was all-new. Outwardly, the first noticeable change from the previous models was the placement of the pushrod tubes under the alloy barrels and cylinder heads revealing that the camshaft is under ...

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Motorcycle Gas Mileage

!: Motorcycle Gas Mileage

With insane gas prices, people are looking at motorcycle gas mileage. More people are considering motorcycles to reduce their gas costs. I've gotten over 50mpg on my 2004 Road King Custom, which has the five speed transmission. The new six speed will no doubt give you better mileage.

As you can see by the list below, Harley-Davidson motorcycles get great gas mileage ranging from around 53mpg for the big Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic and the Screamin Eagle DYNA, both with the 110 cubic inch engine to around 60mpg for the 883 Sportster.

If you're considering a motorcycle to lower your gas costs, keep in mind the type of riding your going to be doing. If you're thinking about an 883 Sportster to commute to and from work, remember the types of roads you'll be traveling on. The Sporster gets great gas mileage but I would not want to spend a lot of time on the highway with it. If you are going to be doing a lot of highway riding, I would consider something bigger. Either way, you'll be saving money on gas and having fun doing it. Here is a mileage estimate list for Harley motorcycles.

Sportster 883 models: 60 HWY/45 CITY

Sportster 1220 models: 57 HWY/42 CITY

DYNA Super Glide: 54 HWY/35 CITY

DYNA Super Glide Custom: 53 HWY/34 CITY

DYNA Street Bob: 54 HWY/35 CITY

DYNA Fat Bob: 53 HWY/34 CITY

DYNA Low Rider: 53 HWY/34CITY

DYNA Wide Glide 105Th Anniversary: 53 HWY/34 CITY

Screamin Eagle DYNA: 53 HWY/36 CITY

VRSV V-Rod: 42 HWY/34 CITY

Night Train Softail: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Softail Custom: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Fat Boy: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Rocker,Rocker C: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Softail Deluxe: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Heritage Softail Classic: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Electra Glide Standard: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Road King, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Electra Glide Classic: 54 HWY/35 CITY

Screamin Eagle Road King: 53.5 HWY/37.7 CITY

Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic: 53 HWY/36 CITY


Motorcycle Gas Mileage

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Training Mask Elevation High Altitude Mask for Athletes - Condition Lungs Increase Performance

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Elevation Training Mask helps condition the lungs by creating pulmonary resistance, strengthening the lungs, and increasing the surface area and elasticity in the alveoli.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Should You Buy a Motorcycle to Save on Gas Mileage?

!: Should You Buy a Motorcycle to Save on Gas Mileage?

Ouch! The pain at the pump hurts doesn't it? Yeah, we're all feeling it. And many people have considered alternatives to paying the high prices for gas. Some alternatives include buying a bus pass or carpooling. And those are all sensible ways to save money on gas. Surely, they are helping some people to beat the pain at the pump.

However, have you ever thought about buying a motorcycle to save on gas mileage? Motorcycle gas mileage and car gas mileage definitely are two completely different things. And with the way gas prices are currently going, gas mileage must be better in motorcycles than it in cars right? Well maybe.

While it's true that motorcycles are much smaller than cars. They aren't necessarily the better buy when it comes to transportation.

Smaller vehicles take less gas to run them. So yes, if you purchase a motorcycle you will spend less money on gas than you would if you purchased a car. However, motorcycles certainly aren't cheap these days. An inexpensive motorcycle can run you about two grand. Do you know how much gas you could put in your car with two grand? And motorcycles have no way of protecting you from the weather if it rains or snows.

And often, people find that they get such a kick out of riding their motorcycles that they spend more time riding around than they would if they were in a car. Therefore, they eventually end up spending more money on gas.

When deciding whether you should by a motorcycle to save on gas mileage, it's also good to think about the fact that there are a lot of factors that influence a motorcycle's gas mileage such as the size of the motorcycle and the way you ride it.

If you by a very large motorcycle, it may take so much fuel to power it, that you really end up getting about the same amount of gas mileage you were when you were driving a car.

So, should you buy a motorcycle to save on gas mileage? Still the answer is maybe. A motorcycle can't really replace a car when it comes to comfort and protection from the outdoors. But for some consumers who are just plain sick and tired of the pain at the pump that may be ok. Motorcycle gas mileage will probably keep on looking better and better to those people when compared to car gas mileage.


Should You Buy a Motorcycle to Save on Gas Mileage?

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

Gas Saving Tips For Your Motorcycle

!: Gas Saving Tips For Your Motorcycle

If you own a motorcycle, there are many ways you can save on fuel. Just like cars, you can save fuel on your motorcycle and with the right approach you can save more money. Just as long as you follow the steps and you are guaranteed to be able to save money beyond your imagination.

These are a few ways you can follow that will help you save some money. Everyone wants to save money so be sure to read these tips carefully and remember each and every one of them.

Avoid needless trips using your motorcycle. This is very obvious as less trips means less fuel consumption thus less expenses. Write down changes of your motorcycle mileage. This is to make sure that your motorcycle is not using too much fuel than it is supposed to be. When there is a change it might indicates that you need to service your motorcycle at the workshop or there is something damaged.

Try to avoid traffic jams while traveling to work as there might be more chances to waste fuel especially during the peak hours. If possible, get to work earlier to avoid the traffic jams. You never know how long you will be stuck in the jam. Maintain an up-to-date service log of your motorcycle. This is to avoid excessive use of fuel.

Switch off your motorcycle's engine when you get stuck in traffic jams. This is a good way to save more money on fuel but a very bad idea when it comes to your safety so practice this if you think you can pull it off without endangering yourself.

Impure oil can possible increase fuel consumption. So, the only way to overcome this is to get a high quality oil. Clean your motorcycle just like cleaning a car. You get rid the dust and make sure that it shines.

Make sure the tire is properly inflated. This is important as tires play a major role in saving fuel. Too much or less air have major effects on the performance. Plan your trips so that you're required to make fewer stops. This is especially when you need to make a few stops around your neighbourhood.

Just like any other vehicles, don't let your motorcycle to idle for a long time. Idling eats away the fuel. These are the tips everyone should keep in mind whether you have a motorcycle or other vehicles.


Gas Saving Tips For Your Motorcycle

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike

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The Razor Dirt Rocket MX650 motocross dirt rocket that gives a real off-road experience. Speeds up to 17 mph and hold up to 220 lbs. Rear adjustable suspension and front inverted authentic motocross suspension fork. Authentic motorcycle-style spoke wheels with large knobby tires, 16" front and 14" rear, and inner tubes. Chain drive with automatic adjuster. Shatter proof plastic fairings and fenders. Easy to assemble and tools included.

  • Compact electric motocross bike with powerful 650-watt electric motor
  • Carries riders at speeds of up to 17 mph; authentic dirt bike frame geometry
  • Dual suspension and riser handlebars deliver smooth, comfortable ride
  • Pneumatic knobby tires for maximum power transfer; quiet variable-speed, chain-driven motor
  • Recommended for ages 16 and older (220-pound weight limit); 90-day warranty

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Cargo Bar Use for daily Stuff

!: Cargo Bar Use for daily Stuff

Probably one of the best feelings when you own a truck is that you now have the quality to as a matter of fact haul extra cargo with a tiny more operate and society than with other vehicles. Gone are the days when you have to outline out how to fit that large or odd shaped object into a very small trunk. Or worse, outline out how to safely drive home with lengths of lumber sticking out of the passenger window and taking turns with care so that the load won't shift and tear the interior. Alas, even with your truck there are gadgets available, such as a cargo bar, netting, and straps that can make hauling your cargo loads much easier and safer.

You will soon search for that plainly throwing a box in the bed of your truck is not all the time that easiest way to get something from point A to point B. Every time you make a turn on the highway, you may catch yourself looking over your shoulder to be sure that the box hasn't spilled or slid rather than looking at the road to watch for other possible human hazards. Eliminate this unsafe convention with the straightforward use of a cargo bar.

These adjustable bars are made to form a fetch wedge in the middle of the sides of your truck and the object that you are hauling. This one straightforward expanding to your truck gear can allow you to drive a load of water jugs, paint cans, or pallet of goods with tiny to no worry. Merge your cargo bar with cargo netting or straps and you can pay attentiveness to the road ahead and not the load behind.

For more domestic uses, netting can be attached to a cargo bar that runs the width of your truck to throw in more lightweight objects, such as sports gear. Place the cargo bar at a height that is just lower than your grocery bags and you can ensure that those apples and oranges will not be rolling around the bed of the truck on the way home from the market.

Not just for the big boys, a cargo bar can become a handy tool to keep in your truck along with your tie downs. After all, owning a truck is a sort of calling card for cargo hauling of all shapes and sizes.


Cargo Bar Use for daily Stuff

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Landlords - Set and levy Rules For Your Tenants

!: Landlords - Set and levy Rules For Your Tenants

Whether you own one rental asset or hundreds, either they're single-family homes or multiunit buildings, your rental bargain should comprise a clear list of the rules and regulations you expect your tenants to abide by, as well as what the consequences will be if they don't. The rules need to be reasonable, accepted for the property--for example, you don't need rules for pools or playgrounds if you don't have them--and specific enough to protect your interests.

Here are the general areas your rules and regulations should cover and some suggested policies:

- Maintenance. Tenants are responsible for letting you know on a timely basis when they have a maintenance need. Encourage tasteless sense: A drippy faucet can wait until general business hours, but a pipe bursting in the middle of the night requires immediate action. Typically apartment dwellers do not accomplish any of their own maintenance; however, it's not uncommon for single-family home renters to cope small maintenance items themselves. Be specific about what you expect from your tenants in this area, along with what expenses you will reimburse.

- Lawn care. If you have a multi-unit building, the landlord typically takes care of landscaping. But for single-family homes and some townhouse units, tenants may be responsible for lawn care. Your tenants need to know what is required of them in this area.

- Vehicles. For multi-unit buildings, you need parking policies. You may want to prescription specific spaces for each tenant and spaces for visitors. A good rule of thumb is one reserved space per bedroom. Stipulate what types of vehicles are allowed (typically cars, light trucks, and motorcycles) and what types are not allowed (such as motor homes, heavy-duty trucks, other market vehicles, or any unregistered vehicle such as scooters or Atvs).

Restrict what sort of maintenance can be performed on vehicles while they are parked on your premises. For example, you may allow interior cleaning; adding of fluids such as oil, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid; tire changing; and replacement of small parts such as light bulbs and fuses. You may restrict face washing to a designated area or not allow it at all. Prohibit maintenance that could consequent in environmental or propertydamage, such as oil changes.

For single-family properties, you may want to limit the number of cars that can be commonly parked overnight and require parking only on concrete surfaces, not on the lawn. If the asset is in a city or municipality, your rules should indicate that the tenant must comply with any local laws concerning parking.

- Pets. Clearly state either or not you will allow pets and if so what kind. In addition to dogs and cats, remember to address small caged animals (hamsters, gerbils, other rodents, reptiles, and birds), fish, and non-traditional pets and livestock. Set policies for noise, cleaning up pet waste, and flea and tick control.

- Guests. State that tenants are responsible for the guide of their guests and if any guest violates your rules, the tenant will be held responsible and the guest may be banned from the property.

- Overnight visitors. To preclude having unauthorized residents constantly move in with your screened tenants, originate a procedure that whatever staying overnight in the unit for more than a designated time (perhaps a maximum of one week) must be added to the lease, subject to your accepted screening process.

- tasteless areas. Set rules for use of tasteless areas, such as recreational facilities, laundry rooms, parking lots, Storage units, and aid areas. Your rules should comprise hours of accessibility, permitted and prohibited activities, and clean-up requirements. Consider either you will allow tasteless areas to be used for private functions that would preclude other residents from using the facility at that time. For example, will you allow a playground to be reserved exclusively for a child's party or will you require that during the party other residents still be allowed to use the playground?

- Locks and keys. Do not permit the facility of added locks on residential units. Do not allow tenants to duplicate keys (use key blanks marked "do not duplicate"). Tenants should come to you for added keys. A fee to cover the cost of lost keys is reasonable.

- general conduct. Ban any threatening or criminal activity, collective intoxication, and any guide that would put other tenants or the asset at risk. Set uncostly restrictions on noise, such as noise above a general conversational level is forbidden after 9:00 p.m. And before 8:00 a.m.

- Fire safety. Prohibit tampering with smoke detectors and do not allow tenants to use non-electric space heaters or any gadget that requires an open flame other than a gas stove you have installed or candles in safe holders. Tenants should not use cooking stoves as room heaters.

- Trash collection. Be clear on when and how household refuse is to be disposed and either or not you offer recycling collection. If you have a dumpster, the business that provides it will set policies for its use. If tenants are responsible for getting their trash to the curb, be clear on when and how this must be done. Some cities require the use of specific containers, such as singular types of cans or bags.

In addition to setting rules, you should also originate penalties for violating those rules, such as fees, fines, and possibly eviction. Be reasonable--an after-hours use of the laundry room by an otherwise exemplary tenant would merit a easy reminder of the policy, but criminal activity could consequent in immediate eviction.

After you originate an accepted set of rules, have them reviewed by a real estate attorney. Furnish all prospective tenants with a copy of the rules with your rental application. Have them first each page of the rules and sign an acknowledgement that they have received and read the rules and agree to abide by them.

Clear, uncostly rules that are consistently and uniformly enforced will increase the petition of your properties, cut your tenant turnover, and make your life as a landlord much easier.


Landlords - Set and levy Rules For Your Tenants

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Long Way Down - 10 Tips to put in order Your 4x4 vehicle For Africa

!: The Long Way Down - 10 Tips to put in order Your 4x4 vehicle For Africa

From years living and working on the African continent, providing services to thousands of tourists and meeting dozens of independent travellers it was due time to contemplate the top ten tips for those wanting to embark on an African adventure in their own 4x4 vehicle.

You have spent years reading every book written about Overlanding from Cairo to Cape; you have bought all the lonely planet guide books and spent days on the internet researching your epic journey. The decision is made to go ahead and do it. But before you run out and spend thousands kitting out your favorite 4x4 or worse buy the ideal vehicle you should read this.

1. concerned over not knowing what is out there many people take their car to the Expedition preparation shop. These people would sell you whatever under the sun "as long as it is checker plate it must be good". "You must have these tyres for Africa" but they don't tell you that singular tyre size and make is not ready everywhere in Africa. So after your first blow-out you are stranded. The Usd00 latest technology aluminium roof rack looks great but chances are it will crack on African roads and the two places that have a master who can weld aluminium are in Nairobi and Cape Town.

If all the "must have in Africa" equipment was that good and needful then it would sell in Africa and not in the western world.

2. There are a million brackets ready to hang jerry cans, gas bottles, high jacks, sand mats, shovels etc to the side of the vehicle. If it doesn't fall off chances are you will wake up one morning and all will be gone. Think about how much equipment you absolutely need and either it can all be safely stored inside the vehicle.

3. Keep it simple; I have met people who managed to drive their suitable old 2 wheel Drives all the way through Africa without problems. vehicle manufacturers have spent time and money in designing your 4x4 with all its handling characteristics hence keep in mind by lifting your suspension and body you will alter the handling characteristics and steering.

4. always remember most vehicles in Africa are non 4x4s but they are enduringly on the move. A 4x4 can be useful but not essential. Quite often it makes drivers over confident; this can lead to issue like being bogged on their own in the middle of the Sahara.

Besides you do not have to climb over every singular rock face and force your vehicle through metre deep mudpools. Just drive nearby the obstacle!

5. Gps and other electronic gadgets are great toys but electronic gadgets hate 3 things;
heat, vibrations and dust. And this is exactly what they are going to get on an overland trip through Africa. Do not rely on them and make sure you are capable of navigating without them. In 2004 while crossing the Sahara desert in Mauritania we tested customary sun navigation, compass and Gps. While climbing sand dunes the Gps had us positioned 30kms out to sea - we couldn't even see the sea from where we were! The sun won, compass came 2nd and Gps 3rd! Here is a tip; have your compass expertly installed by a distinguished technician to ensure it is calibrated to your vehicle.

6. The lighter the better. Small engine vehicles consumes less fuel which means you don't have to carry gallons of extra fuel. Heavy vehicles are more likely to get stuck in soft sand or mud. Light vehicles cope a lot best and are more fun to drive. In 2006 a mate of ours lead a rally from Paris to Bamako; at the start line he arrived in a suitable Nissan Bluebird equipped with a tool box from the supermarket, 2 second hand spare tyres, and 1x20lt jerry can for water. He was the only one to terminate in Bamako without getting bogged in the Sahara. All the others had Usd0,000 fully decked out 4x4s (very heavy) and were enduringly bogged.

7. Food and Water - unless you are going to spend weeks in the middle of the Sahara there is no need to bring tons of food supplies. There are millions of people who live in Africa and they do eat. In most big cities there are supermarkets for expats and surprisingly you can buy the tiny luxuries from home i.e. Pringles, parma ham, bacon and cheese. Bottled water can be bought or water can be taken from wells and be boiled or treated with iodine or other water treatments.

8. Paperwork - for all vehicles travelling through Africa on foreign whole plates they must have a Carnet de Passage. Obtainable from your Automobile Association. This document is a customs paper to allow you to temporarily import your vehicle into the country. Do not leave home without this document.

9. latest technology 4x4 vehicles have best power and fuel efficiency but are packed with electronics and high tech turbo chargers. These technologies are unknown in Africa. Chances are something will go wrong and no one can fix it. This can leave you stranded for weeks while waiting for spare parts to be flown in from your home country. Add a few extra days, bribes, import duties, stamp fees and nervs to get them cleared through local customs.

10. Never voyage at night. An area that is totally safe while the day can turn into bandit country at night. Local vehicles tend to have no or faulty lights, trucks travelling at low speed, donkeys, cyclists and wild life are all over the road. Travelling at night can absolutely turn into a suicide mission.

The more basic it is the less that can go wrong. You want to enjoy the trip and feel Africa instead of spending half of your time fixing your vehicle and all your gadgets. absolutely you can survive without the 12 volt hair dryer that plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Africa is an astonishing continent and with a bit of know-how and common sense whatever can take The Long Way Down.


The Long Way Down - 10 Tips to put in order Your 4x4 vehicle For Africa

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

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