Motorcycle Helmets

Archive for April, 2009

During motor shows, it is common to hear various talks about how many horsepower does an engine of a specific vehicle pack. It is also common to see car manufacturers boasting about the fuel economy capability of their vehicles.

While this may be the strong marketing points of mass produced vehicles, one car stands out simply by having a fuel economy rating of zero miles per gallon. That is because this car uses no fuel - or uses a fuel that cannot be measured by gallon. This car is the XEBRA from ZAP which is an automotive manufacturer specializing on manufacturing vehicles that are eco-friendly. At the forthcoming Chicago Auto Show, the XEBRA will be shown off by the company to offer consumers an alternative to driving cars that are dependent on fossil fuels.

Going back to the zero miles per gallon rating, the XEBRA does it by dispensing such parts used by engines using gasoline or diesel fuel. Parts just like a Volvo fuel injector have no place in a car such as the XEBRA. The vehicle can afford not to have those parts because it runs purely on electricity. This vehicle is classified as a zero emission vehicle that will make it popular among environment conscious city motorists.

What the car costs the consumer in terms of fuel is about a penny for every mile. That cost is for the electricity that will be consumed while recharging the car’s deep cycle batteries. The vehicle has six of these special batteries and these are easily accessible. For the sedan version of the car, three batteries can be found at the center console between the front seats and the remaining three can be found under the rear seat.

The XEBRA line also offers a pickup and also runs on the same fuel as the sedan version. In this version, the batteries are located underneath the truck bed making it easily accessible. The pickup version can sit two while the sedan version can seat four. Oddly though, these cars are registered as motorcycles and different states may require a motorcycle license for an individual to drive this car. A question that arises from that fact is whether a helmet is required to drive the XEBRA. But in California, driving a XEBRA will spare the driver of wearing a helmet while driving the vehicle – which, is indeed, a ridiculous sight to see.

The XEBRA is the fruit of more than 30 years of development starting from the theory that such a car could be made available to the public. ZAP also needed the help of a car manufacturer in China to make this cutting edge electric vehicle possible. The technology employed by the car/motorcycle allows it to cruise at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour that is why the car is suitable only for city driving. The Gel Cell deep cycle batteries with a lifespan of three years depending on the use of the car can be charged from a standard 110 V outlet plug. A complete charge takes 8 hours and from the energy stored during the charging process, the car can go for 40 miles. The maximum 40 mile range of the XEBRA can be decreased by prolonged high speed, excessive stop and go traffic, inclined or uneven roads and the weight of the load. The XEBRA can carry loads of up to 500 pounds.

One thing though will strike the mind of anybody who would lay eyes on the XEBRA will be that of the three-wheeled car that Mr. Bean is always tipping over, because the XEBRA is indeed a three-wheeled vehicle. Unique. But quite clean.

Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/threewheeled-electric-vehicle-to-debut-at-the-chicago-auto-show-102570.html

Although most people do not actually consider them as essentials and will in fact buy them last, Motorcycle Helmets are one of the most important accessories when you have a motorcycle. In fact, state laws have included the wearing of motorcycle helmets. This, lawmakers say, will be able to prevent major injuries should accidents happen. Helmets protect the person from suffering from head injuries that are potentially dangerous and even fatal. Passengers are even asked to wear helmets especially when cruising at high speeds.

Below are some tips that will help you buy the right motorcycle helmet.

1. Does it meet the DOT standard?

Before buying a helmet, make sure that what you have chosen meets with the criteria set by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. You can determine this by looking for the symbol of the DOT on the helmet.

You will also find a label inside the helmet that provides you with essential information about the helmet such as the manufacturer’s name, the year and the month the helmet was manufactured, the model number, the size of the helmet, the materials used for its construction and of course some information about the company. Make sure that both the logo and the label is present.

2. Is it quality-made?

Helmets should be made from a firm polystyrene layer or Styrofoam layer that will help protect your head from injury. The layer should be an inch thick and should weigh about three pounds. It should be simple constructed with none of the embellishments that will only cause injury in your head such as spikes or other protruding decorations. Chin straps with sturdy rivets should be also be present as this will help keep the helmet in place.

3. Does it fit your style?

A helmet need not be out of style just because it is considered as a safety gear. It can also be an avenue where one can make a fashion statement. Try looking for great illustrations on the outer shell of the helmet. Some people even have the illustrations custom-made.

4. Does it offer full protection?

Helmets that protect the whole face will of course serve you in good stead during collision. The plastic face shields will also protect you from the wind, the dust, rain, insects and road debris that are thrown up by passing vehicles. If you do not want helmets with the shield on them, buy a separate goggles that will help protect your eyes. One thing that you should know is that windshields are not enough to protect you.

Low Jeremy
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/tips-in-buying-the-right-motorcycle-helmet-63418.html

When you’re looking for a Motorcycle Helmet, there are many different options and features for you to choose from. Some of the most important are related to convenience and to comfort. Others significantly increase the safety factors for wearing a helmet. It is important to juggle both when making a helmet purchase decision, options for style, function and for safety.

There are many cool add-ons that will make your helmet be customized for you. A great motorcycle helmet feature is a quick change shield mechanism, so you can replace a cracked or dirty shield and keep riding. This is a newer feature, it has been around for awhile but years ago it was necessary to try to wipe the shield clean to continue riding. It was either that, or stop and replace the whole shield, which takes time and isn’t really feasible during a race.

If you often have an extra rider on your bike, you can buy a storage bag to hold the extra helmet while you’re riding solo. This will make sure you always have one handy, and will protect the helmet from damage. Not only that but if you know you will not be having a passenger, you can replace the helmet with school books, lunch, a change of clothes or whatever. It is nice to have the ability to bring along some extra gear, just in case!

There are other motorcycle helmet features which seem small, but can help to make your ride more comfortable. A strap guard will keep your chin strap from flapping against you in the wind, which can be annoying and painful.

If you live somewhere humid or hot, a helmet that has removable padding is a big plus. If your padding starts to get stale, you can remove it and wash it, which will leave it fresh smelling and comfortable again. Who wants to stick their head in their helmet and smell something bad?

Another motorcycle helmet feature that many riders enjoy is a scratch resistant shell. This will keep your helmet looking new and shiny long after you first buy it, and keep you looking sharp as you ride. This doesn’t mean the helmet can’t get a scratch on it, quite the contrary. It can still be scratched however it will be much more difficult due to the new scratch resistant finished helmet manufacturers are using.

Vents are a good safety feature, as they can prevent your shield from fogging. Some riders choose not to go with this feature however because it can lead to a louder ride, and the vents do stick out a little. Vents can also make a huge difference in hot weather. Being able to adjust the air flow around your head while riding paramount for a comfortable ride. It will cut down on sweating and help increase the enjoyment factor of your ride.

If you’re ready to buy a new motorcycle helmet, motorcycle helmet features are the best way to make sure that you have a comfortable ride. A comfortable helmet is a helmet you’ll keep wearing.

Frank Medley
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/motorcycle-helmet-features-are-awesome-508121.html