Archive for the ‘motorcycle’ Category
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 |
A decade ago, Frank Jamerson helped develop General Motors’ (GM) first electric car, the EV1, only to see interest in the fuel-efficient vehicle fizzle within years. He’s determined to ensure another pet project, the electric bike, doesn’t suffer the same fate.
Amid rising fuel costs in recent years, baby boomers, commuters, and college students have begun biking more often. In the U.S. and Western Europe, the fastest-growing niche of the bicycle market is electric bikes, a category that includes motorized vehicles of various stripes—from bikes to pedicabs to tricycles—that range in price from $350 to $14,000.
Wal-Mart Upping the Ante
The number of e-bikes is likely to rise to a record 170,000 units in the U.S. this year, from 120,000 last year, says Jamerson, who’s long compiled research on the industry. The U.S. market pales in comparison with China, where there are 20 million e-bikes sold annually. But while China, the largest e-biking market, has stagnated, sales are on the upswing in the U.S.
E-biking is getting a jolt as big retailers get in on a market once dominated by specialty bike shops. Earlier this year, Wal-Mart (WMT) began selling bicycles from Currie Technologies, the largest maker of e-bikes in the U.S., in 145 stores. More recently, the world’s largest retailer expanded availability to more than 450 locations.
By next spring, Wal-Mart plans to carry the gadgets in more than 850 stores, says Larry Pizzi, president of Currie, based in Chatsworth, Calif. Toys “R” Us plans to expand its distribution of the e-bikes tenfold, to 550 stores. “This has been the most rapid growth year in the company’s [10-year] history,” Pizzi says. “We’ve seen dramatically increased interest thanks to financial motivations, environmental concerns. And baby boomers are getting older [and need some help getting up that hill].” Target (TGT) also sells e-bikes.
Driven by Gas Prices
How long can the e-biking boom last? The dramatic decline in gas prices in recent months has lessened the urgency for alternative transportation for some commuters. A credit crisis is making it harder for consumers to borrow. Eric Sundin, president of Electric Bikes Northwest & California, one of the largest distributors of high-end electric bikes from the likes of Giant Bicycle in the country, says he’s noticed a slowdown in mid-October. He notes that late autumn is typically a slow season for the industry. Still, “if gas prices come down, people’s interest becomes more lukewarm,” he says, adding that bicycle purchases are “very largely correlated to disposable income.”
So far, Pizzi hasn’t heard of any change of plans among retailers. “For the most part, the motivation to bicycle isn’t solely the gas price,” says Jennifer Dill, director of the Center for Transportation Studies at Portland State University and an avid biker herself. “It just can be a much more enjoyable commute. You see people in their front yards, and you feel more connected to your surroundings.”
Major bike brands including Kawasaki bikes have jumped into this market, to compete with firms and high-end startups. They’ve helped improve e-bikes’ battery life, acceleration speed, and charge-up time. Bruno Maier, executive vice-president for marketing at Cannondale Bicycle, the maker of Schwinn-brand bikes, expects his company’s U.S. e-bike sales to jump fivefold between August 2007, when Cannondale introduced its first electric bike, and next year—faster than sales in any other bike category. To meet anticipated demand, the manufacturer plans to double its investment in e-bikes in 2009 and to establish a separate product group focused on the motorized models.
Kits to Convert Ordinary Bikes
Other high-end manufacturers report long waiting lists for their gear. Boulder (Colo.)-based Optibike puts out 24 limited-edition bikes a year, featuring custom paint jobs and gold-plated motors. Founded in 1997, the company has already pre-sold half of its 2009 limited-edition models, priced at $14,000 apiece. “November was our best-selling month of the year so far,” says Optibike Marketing Director Craig Weakley, who notes that buyers aren’t deterred by the falling price of gasoline. “People are still looking to the future,” he says. Last spring, the outfit moved from a 2,000-square-foot shop into a 13,000-square-foot facility to meet mounting demand.
EcoSpeed, a Portland (Ore.) company, makes kits costing $2,500 to $3,500 that convert recumbent bikes into motorized machines. The company plans a new product lineup for next year, including kits that convert ordinary, upright bicycles. It expects 100% growth this year from last year, says Brent Bolton, president of EcoSpeed. The company is likely to sell 100 kits, which include electric motors and related parts, in 2008.
After seeing bikes for sale at work during a visit to China in May, Wakefield Gregg has been trying to scrape together funds to open up a specialized electric bike shop in Portland, Ore., considered the most bike-friendly U.S. city. He is still more than $40,000 short. “I just can’t get funding,” he says. So for now, just like Jamerson, he contents himself with zipping around Portland on his electric contraption, the eZee Torq electric bike from eZee Kinetic Technology.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008 |
With a dirt bike you can hit the uneven roads in flying alacrity. These bikes are lightweight motorcycles also known as used bikes for sale and are specifically designed for the cross-country, unpaved and bumpy grounds. Their specially outfitted rugged tires and suspension are just ideal for the toughest terrains in town.
And when it comes to engine power, they have a much smaller one compared to the usual street motorcycles, less than 500 cc to be precise. Talking of dirt bikes is like referring to Yamaha dirt bikes, there is nothing next to Yamaha dirt motorbikes that has taken the world by storm.
Thus, whether it is the serious dirt bike aficionado or the off-road amateur, Yamaha dirt bike is their ultimate choice. The Yamaha YZ series is most well known amongst the Yamaha dirt motorbikes and what is best about this is that it is light and fast and great for some serious fun. If you do not wish to shell out much of cash, you can also go in for cheap dirt bikes for sale.
A second hand Yamaha PW or Yamaha WR off-road motorcycle can be taken into consideration for that matter. Thing is that, Yamaha dirt motorbikes are the ultimate whether it is a great two-stroke dirt bike or a punchy four stroke off-road motorbike.
These sturdy and light weighted bikes with knobby tires for maximum grip gives you that extra bit of edge you need on road. Yamaha dirt motorbikes are great for off-road competitions like for instance Motocross.
Yamaha brand surely stands out amongst its other competitors owing much to its extraordinary performance. What makes them even more loved amongst all professionals and amateurs is that Yahama always takes care of all their requirements.
Bikes you can avail
Yamaha brings with it a whole gamut of motorbikes including the dirt bikes. And Yamaha never runs short of quality products for that matter. Lets find out some of the bikes that you can avail. The WR450F is apt for the serious riders a two-position handlebar, new enduro computer and reinforced swingarms are what you get with it. A 249cc, four-stroke engine and with superior fuel flow; the Yamaha WR250F bike is quite a sturdy bike, furthermore, it is priced at about $10,449.
And if you want to go in for something, which is easy-to-handle, then TT-R250 is the need of the hour. You will simply flip over the TT-R230 that is good enough for any competition. TT-R125L/LE is the motorbike that will not punch a hole in your pocket; it is as reasonable as $2,749. Its good breaking abilities and stiffer suspension is just the icing on the cake. All those novice riders, Yamaha has arranged for TT-R125E, the small but powerful bikes.
You surely can not do without Yamaha dirt motorbikes at all.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 |
William Harley was 21 when he drew up plans for an 116cc engine, which was built and fitted to a pedal cycle. That was in 1901. He was joined by his friend Arthur Davidson, and together they worked on what was really a motor-bicycle. With the help of Arthur’s brother, Walter, they completed the project in 1903, however the boys were so dissatisfied with their first attempt, they scrapped the bike, but not without gaining valuable experience along the way.
The second machine, with a 405cc engine is classed by many as the first real Harley. The bigger engine and frame design meant this machine was something other than a motor-bicycle, and was a forerunner of the modern motorcycle. The prototype was built in a ten by fifteen feet shed belonging to the Davidson family, although the engine parts were said to be built at the West Milwaukee Railshops, where older brother William Davidson worked as a foreman. By 1905 this motorcycle was been offered to the public on a very limited basis. Three were sold that year.
The shed was eventually moved to the Juneau Avenue factory to serve as a reminder of the company’s humble beginnings, but sadly was accidentally demolished by contractors during the 1970’s.
By 1907 production had reached 150 motorcycles for sale, and in that year they began selling their machines to police departments. Also in that same year, a prototype 880cc, V-twin engine was developed and displayed at the Chicago Automobile show, although very few V-twin motorcycles were sold before 1910. By 1909 well over 1,000 motorcycles were being produced, a tribute not only to the boys’ engineering skills, but also to their entrepreneurial attributes.
In 1917, when the USA entered the arena of World War 1, new demands were placed on the company, as the military needed a robust, reliable machine. Harley-Davidson rose to the challenge and produced 20,000 motorcycles for sale for the war machine. This no doubt helped the company take their place as the World’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, and by 1920 they were producing over 28,000 units which were sold in 67 countries.
As war came again, Harley-Davidson copied the design of the BMWR71, and produced the XA model, as once again the company answered the demands of the United States Army and produced large numbers of motorcycles. They also built the WLC for the Canadian military, and sent more than 30,000 units to the Soviet Union.
After the war, the company flourished and the ‘Super 10′ and ‘Topper’ scooter were produced. In 1960 they bought fifty percent of Aeronautica Macchi’s motorcycle division and the importation of the 250cc horizontal single began. This bike wore the Harley-Davidson badge and was marketed as the Harley-Davidson Sprint. The company became sole owners of Aermacchi in 1974.
Under pressure from Harley-Davidson, the US government introduced a 45% tariff on imported motorcycles over 700cc, but instead of going head to head with the Japanese, they concentrated on the ‘Retro’ style of bike. Many of the components for these machines were built overseas, and the quality of the finished article took a turn for the better.
In 2008, a Harley-Davidson Museum opened in Milwaukee. The three building complex contains a large collection of motorcycles and other Harley-Davidson memorabilia. This represents a huge leap from the shed in the Davidson’s backyard and the austere years of the Great Depression. Proof enough that Harley-Davidson is more than a motorcycle, more than a company; it has become a way of life for motorcyclists all over the world. William and Arthur would be delighted.
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Friday, August 15th, 2008 |
Harley Davidson is a famous brand of motorcycles, and it all started back in 1901 when a young man by the name of William Harley crafted a blueprint of an engine that would fit onto a bicycle.
In 1903 the very first Harley Davidson motorcycles were made available to the public when William Harley and his friend Arthur Davidson produced one built as a racing motorcycle. It was purchased by one of their childhood school friends, Henry Meyer. During this time, the Harley Davidson production plant was nothing more than a crude wooden shed with the words “Harley Davidson Motor Company” scratched across the front door.
1905 was an important year for Harley Davidson, as they hired their first full time employee and one of their motorcycles won a race in Chicago, putting them on the map in a sense. Years and years go by, and the 1950’s find Harley Davidson’s winning races, being featured on magazine covers with Elvis Presley, and becoming a household name among race and motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere.
In 1983 the Harley Owners Group was formed, and was referred to as H.O.G. It became the largest motorcycle club in the world to be sponsored by a factory. In a mere six years, the club had grown to include more than 90,000 members. In 1987, Harley Davidson became listed on the New York Stick Exchange, and owners everywhere realized what a wise investment they had made!
More years pass, with Harley Davidson inventing new motorcycles on a regular basis, winning more races, and selling more motorcycles than any other manufacturer. In 2006, Harley Davidson appointed the first authorized dealer of their motorcycles in China.
Today, Harley Davidson produces a wide variety of motorcycles that come in all different styles, shapes and colors. Harley Davidson not only makes recreational and sport racing motorcycles, they also make touring bikes. The Ultra Classic Electra Glide is the king daddy of them all, loaded with extra features and offering the ultimate in comfort. It even comes with an advanced audio system!
While Harley Davidson is most well known for their motorcycles, they also produce a full line of accessories to compliment their motorcycles. Some of the available accessories include sidecars, saddlebags and pouches, chrome covers, windshields, seats, mirrors, backrests, hand controls and sissy bars.
They also make a full line of clothing including leather goods, warm, cold and wet weather gear, helmets, gloves, jackets, vests, shirts, pants, boots, eyewear, as well as racing attire. There clothing accessory line is available in a wide range of sizes for men and women, as well as children.
If you are in the market to buy a Harley Davidson, you’ll be able to find one no matter where you are in the world. Harley Davidson has dealerships in over 60 countries, and as a company employs more than 9,000 people.
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