Hero Honda recently split from its technology partner company Honda but that has not stopped them from continuing upgrading their vehicles. In Pune, the new 2011 Karizma has been spotted and believe you me, you won’t be able to make out in the first glance. The bike looks like most other Hero Honda upgrades, almost similar to the older version.

Yes there are new features on the horizon such as new stickers, graphics and change of colours all around. The speedometer is now yellow and carriers the Karizma tag on it. Also the engine cowl is new and many features like clear lens indicators, colours are borrowed from its elder sibling the ZMR. There is no upgrade in the engine nor is there any revolutionary feature. Yes it does have new handlebars but clipons are still not there.

What you can expect is another of those HH upgrades with a slight price hike adding absolutely no real difference compared to the outgoing model. What Hero Honda should have really done was to upgrade the ZMA with ZMR clipon handle bars, given it a digital speedometer (even the Hunk has it now) and most importantly given the Karizma wider tyres. All these modifications would have really added value to the bike and then people would not have been like “Hey, the Karizma is still the one which was launched in May, 2003 with some new stickers.” Anyways the new Karizma if launched at the same price will be a good upgrade to an already excellent product from the Hero Group.

Francis Barnett was formed in 1919 in Coventry by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett. Their first model, a JAP engined 292cc side valve machine with a two-speed Sturmey Archer gearbox, was launched in 1920. But it was in 1923 that they made their first famous mark on the design of bikes at the time. A new frame design was put together based on the use of multiple pair of tubes all bolted together to form a triangulated frame. This was very cheap to produce and simply to assemble as there was no bending of tube or welding required. This concept is known as “Built Like a Bridge”…

Throughout the twenties and thirties, Francis Barnett continued to make a wide range of two stroke machines including the Pullman and the Aza, and a whole series of models named after British bird species such as the Plover, Merlin, Kestrel and Lapwing. The War Office did investigate the suitability of Francis Barnett machines for use in the military, but there were concerns over the reliability of two stroke engines.

The 122cc Snipe was launched in 1939, though production was short-lived as Britain became embroiled in the Second World War. As was the case with many of the British motorcycle manufacturing companies, their factory was badly bombed during the conflict, and it is felt that this may have been partially why the contract for the supply of lightweight airborne models which was eventually placed with Royal Enfield and James.

After the close of the War, Francis Barnett recommenced production, focusing on their lightweight range of models as they provided an extremely cheap and economical mode of transport. It was advertised that the Merlin L.51, launched in 1946, was capable of going 250 miles on a single tank with a capacity of about two gallons.

In 1947, Francis Barnett was incorporated into the AMC (Associated Motor Cycles Ltd) group. For a while in the late 1950s, AMC’s own 249cc engine was used in the Cruiser model, but it was never found to be as reliable as the Villiers engines used previously. Despite this, the AMC engine gradually replaced Villiers across a whole range of models. Francis Barnett and James models were virtually identical, except for color and badges.

In 1962, production was moved to the James factory at Greet. But sadly in 1966, production of Francis Barnett motorcycles ceased, primarily due to the financial problems being experienced by James.

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There are millions of motorcycles on the road and you see them everywhere you go. With the rising cost of fuel they become a more popular form of transportation every year. They are also popular for mountain climbing, dirt bike racing and working in open areas. You might have ridden a two wheeled bicycle most of your life or even now but learning motorcycle safety and how to properly operate one is something I think everyone should know.

I may have an advantage over most people because of my location. For 51 weeks of the year Sturgis South Dakota is a sleepy little town with a population of just over 6,000 people. The local police often refer to it as Mayberry, a friendly family oriented town that is a wonderful place to raise children.

But, during the month of August every year since 1939 bikers gather in the Sturgis, Black Hills area of South Dakota to celebrate their love of riding. It began as a small gathering and has grown tremendously over the years. Currently the area welcomes over ? million bikers during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that is held during the first full week of August.

The number of motorcycle crashes fluctuates from year to year and there are different reasons for each one. I firmly believe that the roads would be a lot safer if every driver had motorcycle safety training.

The everyday driver often does not realize what it takes to safely maneuver a motorcycle in traffic or winding roads. Unfortunately, many riders just assume that everyone else is looking out for them and that is not the case, although it should be.

There are many different types of bikes and people enjoy riding for different reasons but, one thing is a constant and that is safety. You don’t have the benefit of being surrounded by a steel cage, air bags and seat belts on a motorcycle. You are wide open to the weather elements, wildlife and other vehicles. Basic safety tips could save your life or help you avoid a crash altogether.

1. Learn to ride from a professional- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers training and refresher courses at a very affordable rate. Most classes are held in the evening for one or two weeks with one Saturday class and they provide the motorcycles to learn. Once you successfully complete the course you are presented with a card to take to your local licensing agency. Simply present the card, take the eye test and you are done, you will not need to take an additional driving test. Get more information and find a class in your area by visiting the MSF website at: http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx

2. Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses, check with yours to see if you are eligible.

3. Choose your motorcycle wisely- Don’t buy one just because you like the way it looks. You need to be comfortable and able to easily control the bike. Your feet should sit flat on the ground when stopped and you need to reach all controls comfortably, most of which are at your fingertips.

4. Safety Gear-Most states have a law that requires riders to wear a DOT certified helmet but many do not. The helmet is the most important safety gear you can wear. Remember, accidents happen in a split second and you will not be able to stop and put on your helmet if you are in one. I have had some pretty big bugs hit my helmet that would have left a bruise on a bare head. It is also essential to wear protective eyewear day and night.

5. Cover Your Feet -A good pair of riding boots will make shifting, braking and stopping more comfortable.

6. Cover Your Legs-Wearing long pants or leather chaps will prevent wind burn, bug stings, sunburn and provide some protection from the heat of the motorcycle itself.

7. Cover Your Hands-In the event of a crash your hands will probably be the first thing to hit the ground. Wearing gloves will also protect your hands from all of the elements listed above.

I love to ride my motorcycle, but it can also be a source of great stress, especially in traffic. Don’t assume that the other guy is looking out for you. Always practice good motorcycle safety and don’t drink and ride.

When we talk about motorcycle helmets, what’s the first thing that comes into your mind? Of course, it’s for protection when we are riding our motorcycle and at the same it’s also for fashion so you will look good while riding your bike. This is one of the motorcycle gears that most riders are checking in auto shops. They try to check what the latest designs of helmets are.

There are actually different types of motorcycle helmets available in the market; the DOT helmets, Modular helmets, Moto-x helmets, and the shell helmets. These types of helmets have their own specific features that make them different from each other and the comfort will depend on the person. Below will be discussed why it is considered as a fashion trend and also a protection.

Fashion: motorcycle gears are made for two purposes, for fashion and protection. But why is it considered as fashion? It’s considered to be as fashion since people are choosing the type of helmet that would not only give them the comfort they need but they also need to look good with the helmet they wear. It gives you that rider feeling if you are wearing your helmet and you look good in it. Especially if you match it with other motorcycle gears such as leather jackets or vest, leather gloves, and motorcycle boots. For sure, you will have that confidence in you while you are riding your bike around your place.

Protection: this the main reason of wearing these motorcycle gears, it’s for protection. Wearing motorcycle helmets will protect your head from hitting hard objects in case you get into an accident. Truly, this gear, motorcycle helmets, could actually save you from having serious injuries and even death. Remember that our head is one of the vital parts of our body. Once your brain gets affected by the accident it could totally change your whole life. You could get paralyzed and you won’t be able to do the things that you used to and love to do like riding your bike.

Those two mentioned above are the two top reasons why people wear helmets when they ride their bikes. If you are a rider, you need to understand the significance of the motorcycle gears that you are using or wearing. Make sure that you know why you need and why you are using them. It would be more valuable if you truly understand the purpose of wearing such gears.

At present, Honda is focusing on latest and advanced technology. This automobile manufacturing company is putting great efforts in making your driving more comfortable and friendly.

Honda is gaining immense popularity in the two wheeler industry in India. Bikes manufactured by Honda have created standard in the Indian automobile market. When it comes to most fuel efficient bikes, the name of Honda always comes on the top. Honda dazzler, the name itself gives feeling of pride and pleasure to the owner. This product is successfully running in the Indian bike market.

Honda is successfully running 340 dealers with 740 two wheeler outlets across the country. Honda CB Twister, CB Unicorn, CB Shine, CBF Stunner, CB1000R and CB 1000RR are counted as best selling bikes in India. The latest model launched by Honda is Honda dazzler. This model is quite attractive as far as its looks and features are concerned. The main importance is giving to the looks to the motorbike and launched as most stunning model dazzler.

Features of Honda dazzler

1. The motorbike is powered by the 150 cc four stroke engine.
2. Five speed transmissions rear disc brake.
3. Other excellent features includes dual tone styling, two-tone seat, new design mirror, handle bar weights, digital fuel gauge & trip meter, split grab rail, new front cowl and digital instrumentation.
4. It has fuel efficiency 50-51 kmpl mark.

If you really love to have a sport bike, choose Honda dazzler that is specially designed for the young India. To buy second hand bike, check online classified websites.

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Riding motorcycles gives many people a sense of freedom and can be a very relaxing way to travel. It is also a very economical way to get anywhere. They are easy to park and good on gas which can be very beneficial in a large city. However if a full size motorcycle is not an option for you there is one way for you to enjoy most of the benefits. An electric scooter is a great way to get from point A to point B economically.

The electric scooter has many of the same benefits of the full size motorcycle and some that the motorcycle doesn’t have. You could put it in a van or car and transport it with little effort and it is easier to get around crowded city streets with its compact size.

The motorcycle and electric scooter share many of the same features as well like the seat, brakes, horn, turn signals, shifting and braking. However, the scooter is designed for a single rider only. There are many models to choose from and they offer the option of standing or sitting while riding.

Although the electric scooter does not reach the same speeds that a full size motorcycle will you can enjoy the freedom of riding. You can’t ride them on an interstate or highway because they are not built for speed. The scooter is street legal with tags and insurance, you will get good gas mileage and they are very easy to handle. They are considered to be very environmentally friendly as well.

An electric scooter is a great option for a teenager. The scooter is small, lightweight and could be stored inside a house or apartment and chained to a bike rack at school. They are much easier to handle and will give the rider some much needed experience operating this kind of equipment. A scooter is a fraction of the price you would pay for a full size motorcycle and they require very little maintenance, most of which you can do yourself.

You can use an electric scooter to get your motorcycle license. Most states require anyone operating an electric scooter be properly licensed to do so and the scooter must be tagged and insured. They may be lightweight and small but they can be a deadly machine, especially when riding in traffic.

Even with its benefits and ease of use the rider should always practice good safety habits while riding. Although a helmet is not a fashion statement it could save your life and in many states it is the law. There are many different types of accidents where a person could have survived if they had protected their head.

Long sleeved shirts and long pants will protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, bugs and wind burn and even road rash if you should be involved in a crash. Ideally good leather riding gear will protect the skin best. If you should happen to be involved in a crash the first thing to hit the ground will most likely be your hands so a good pair of motorcycle gloves is advisable. A good pair of riding boots ensures good footing and confidence while shifting and braking. If you must wear shoes wear ones that are skid proof and don’t wear flip flops or sandals.

An electric scooter is an excellent alternative to a full sized motorcycle. It will give a beginning rider experience in handling such a machine safely. They can usually travel at speeds of about 30 miles per hour and are easily accessorized with bags or baskets making them a good choice for students and quick trips to the store. There are many models to choose from and they are affordably priced.

Summer is gone and the winter has set in. Bummer, where did that time go?

I still have the feeling of the wind in my hair, bug splatter on my teeth and the rumbling vibration itch on my butt, however I just cannot get over the feeling that the long set in winter is going to be dismal and gloomy. I’m going to miss hanging out with my friends at my buddies garage, I’m gonna miss wing night at Scooters and the chicks in leather chaps and booty pants. The time spent polishing the bike, putting on those really cool new parts that I ordered online or from the catalog that sits in the bathroom and on the garage bench is all but gone, I won’t see it again until the spring. I’m so miserable. But how can I get over these Winter Motorcycle Blues?

I’ve been in the same situation many times but now I’ve compiled a short list of ways that you can get over those Winter Motorcycle Blues and they are as follows. Remember, you don’t have to take my word for it, but these are some suggestions that get me through those short days and long nights of winter.
Repair Manuals – Reading the complete repair manual for your motorcycle takes your mind and puts it right there with your motorcycle. You see every part that’s on your bike, you find out new ways to maintain the bike, where things bolt on and how you can now upgrade your bike with parts and accessories. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about the bike that you ride.10 Point Maintenance – If you’ve got a motorcycle, you really need to take this down to time to do some real work on the bike. Check the following items on your motorcycle and take care of them. I’ll elaborate more in another article. Fluids/Oil/Transmission/Brake – Chain/Belt – Tire Tread – Tire Pressure – Brakes – Battery – Electrical / Lights – Tighten Nuts and Bolts – Filters / Air / Oil etc. – Cables – Wheel Spokes and last but not least make sure your license and tags are up to date.Wing Night – Your favorite watering hole still has specials going on in the winter time and you can still keep up with some of your buddies talking about bikes, rides and upcoming Poker Runs or talk about what happened over the past year. This also gives you an opportunity to hear what others are doing with their bikes over the winter to fight the Winter Motorcycle Blues, it’s like a support group.Put New Parts On – You may get some gift cards or extra cash for Christmas and now you can get that set of grips or some new floor boards to put on your bike. Pull out your favorite catalog or get online and find the stuff that you’ve always wanted and now have the money for and get a little dirt on your hands. Just like doing the maintenance, this gives you a chance to get to know your bike better, the more you have your hands on it, the more likely you are going to find something that could have become a disaster on the first ride of the year.Watch motorcycle movies, pull out the Wild Hogs or Easy Riders DVD and put it in to get back in the zone of riding and having fun with friends.Treat your Leathers – Nows also a good time to get some of your favorite brand of leather treatment and rub down your leather coat, chaps, gloves and vest. This keeps your gear in good condition and ready to go when the weather allows for that first 50 degree day to get things going again.

These are just some of the things that I do to get over those Winter Motorcycle Blues and keep my mind on the road, thinking about the good times with friends, straightening the curves and feeling that rush of throwing a leg over your steal stallion, hearing the squeak of leather as you toss the coat on your back and turning the key and pushing the start button on your motorcycle. Until the next article, Ride safe and we’ll see you on the road.

Until the warm breezes start to blow again and the sun begins to shine at 6 am, keep your thoughts on the road, two wheels in your heart and the open road on your mind. One last point, get that new pair of boots that you wanted and start to break them in wearing them around the house.

Greeves is a name that will always be primarily associated with the off-road motorcycling sport, with a history of sporting success, however, they were also successful in road racing and as utilitarian transport — albeit with a difference. The company was started in 1954 by Bert Greeves who came from a background of invalid carriage manufacture, with their first four machines appearing in that year. As with many lightweight bikes of the time, all models were based on the Villiers 8E engine.

It was the frame, however, that differentiated the Greeves from its competitors. The frame was tubular but instead of the down tube, it used a cast alloy beam. The rear suspension used rubber bushes in torsion, a concept familiar to Bert as this was the basis for the invalid carriage design in his previous career. The front suspension was leading link. In 1956, the engines were upgraded to the Villiers 9E and models using a more conventional tube construction were introduced.

By the end of the 1950s, Greeves were obtaining some success in scrambling and trials and two models were named after these successes, the Hawkstone and the Scottish. Dave Bickers went on to take the 1960 and 1961 European 250cc scrambling series. In 1963, Greeves began to compete in road racing also using a modified scrambler relaunched as the Silverstone. This was a relatively successful bike up until 1968. Initially the Silverstone used a Villiers engine with a Greeves top half (a concept used by Greeves for some time), but from 1964 the Challenger engine was fitted on a Greeves crankcase.

By the late 1960s, Villiers were in financial trouble, but Greeves were able to continue making just two models, the 246 and the Griffon — a 380cc scrambler. Motorcycle production finally stopped in 1972, although the company survived for a few more years. The name was to resurface, however, in 1999 with the 24TJSB trials model. Again, this was based on the Challenger head on the Villiers bottom half.

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Owning a vehicle can be very exciting and you can have an exhilarating ride with it. Many people are buying motorcycles because you can easily use it and can save you more fuel than cars; it has more mobility. The sad thing is that it can invite risks to accidents. People who use motorcycles should be very cautious and they need to wear helmets and other motorcycle gears for safety measures. You also need to be more careful when driving a motorcycle and making sure you are responsible will really save you from the hazards. One more thing about motorcycles is that you can only bring limited stuff with you, not like four-wheeled vehicles where you can bring a lot of items; motorcycles doesn’t have enough space for your things. However, there is still a way to bring your things with you when you ride your motorcycle, a motorcycle saddlebag can help you in this situation. It is a solution to the limited space of your motorcycle.

Your motorcycle saddlebags maybe used as your cargo compartment in which you can store the stuff you would want to bring with you when traveling. One of its features is that you can arrange your things inside it in an orderly manner. A lot of things can be put inside this motorcycle luggage especially your important things. You can bring food and water if you want to go on a long travel. You can also put few pieces of clothing and other personal stuff that you will need when going to distant places. You should always bring medicines which you might need in case of emergencies. Motorcycle saddlebags can really aid you in many things even bringing a small medical kit. Make sure you have everything necessary for long trips included in your baggage. You should always be prepared not just for yourself but for other people as well. Another thing, you can make a list so that you will never forget the things that you may want to put inside your saddlebag. The things that you put inside are safer compared when you use ordinary bags.

Another important reminder for motorist is that this motorcycle saddlebag can also function as a storage space for important tools that you might need during emergency situations such as repairing your motorcycle. It will be necessary for you to bring tools so that you don’t have to spend more money in having to ask someone to fix your motorcycle especially if it only needs minimal repair. If you have with you all the necessary things, you won’t have to go to motorcycle shop whenever you have minor problems with your motorcycle. Instead of wasting energy and money, you should just have a motorcycle luggage with you every time you ride your motorcycle. This will surely help you save money and time. You should also be careful when driving to avoid unnecessary accidents to happen. You should be a responsible motorcycle driver and part of it is considering the things that you will bring with you during long hours of motorbike riding.

Mini micro scooters have been gaining ground in terms of popularity especially among kids. They come in a wide range of colors as well as varying features in the models providing you plenty of choices when considering buying one. Here we will look at some of the most popular models of micro mini scooters.

The Maxi Kick is a 3-wheeled purple Swiss scooter developed for children aged 6 to 10 years old. It utilizes a lean and steer mechanism that makes the user feel like they are surfing while riding the scooter. Although weighing only 5 pounds, the Maxi Kick Scooter is durable enough for daily use.

The Maxi Kick Scooter also comes with an extendable steering bar. It is two feet away from the deck but can be extended an inch further. This provides a guarantee that the scooter is long lasting making it a worthwhile investment. Aside from that, going on and off the scooter is easy because it sits up when the scooter is turned off.

Another mini micro scooter that is thriving in the market today is the Blue Mini Kick Scooter. Designed for kids aged 3 to 5 years old, this model comes in four variants namely – aqua, orange, pink, and blue. Likewise, it employs a lean and steer mechanism allowing the weight of your child to manage the steering. This allows better control while curving left or right. The Mini Kick Scooter comes in three wheels giving it the firmness it needs. The wheels come from Italy and guarantee a smooth ride free from noise. The Aqua Mini

Kick Scooter is another popular mini micro scooter utilizing the lean and mean mechanism. The wheels are designed in Italy and ensure smooth riding free from any bumps. Its kickboard is configured to low to the surface. It has plenty of room for both feet making it easier for kids to come down or push the scooter. For better control, the Aqua Mini Kick comes with a spoon brake at the back. Weighing only 3.3 pounds, it can handle a maximum weight of 60 pounds.

When planning to buy mini micro scooter, there are some things that you need to put into consideration. First, you need to carefully note about the weight limit of the scooter. The recommended weight is 60 pounds however you should not be surprised if you see a 44-lb weight limit in the package. This is because in European standards, the recommended weight limit is in increments of 10 kilograms equivalent to 22 pounds.

This would mean that the weight limit is 30 kilograms or 66 pounds which is more than the recommended weight of 60 kilograms. If you are in doubt, the best thing to do is ask the sales agent for any information. Although micro mini scooters are designed for daily use, it is still best to have information regarding warranty stipulations.

Mini micro scooters are more than just three-wheeled vehicles. They are designed to improve the motor skills and balance of young kids. Their durability makes them a worthwhile investment.

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