How does it Feel Like Riding a Bike as your Passenger?

23 October 2018

Motorcycles first appeared in 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmuller was the first company to produce these machines on a bigger scale. First bikes weren’t as impressive as you might think, so before you overemphasize and let yourself get carried away, I will shatter any false visions. Imagine a large bicycle with a small, cylindrical engine and fuel tank – don’t forget two simply looking handlebars! And that is it! A pretty ordinary looking machine. Thankfully the 19th and 20th century were the eras of constant advancements, motorcycles included. Ever since 2014 Honda, Yamaha and Hero MotoCorp are graded to be the largest global producers of the little, steel ponies. Some even prefer them to cars!

Contents

1 The feelings:
2 Daniela and this really good looking guy:
3 Illegal street racing:
4 The Need for Speed:

The feelings:

I want you to think about, how you feel when you get on your bike. What thoughts run through your head when the engine comes to life and purrs ever so softly? Do you feel the excitement? And then your body vibrates, in sync with the power coming from the insides on your machine. As you pick up speed, your life has a whole new rhythm and the wind in your hair reminds you, that now you and your shining pony are one. And there is nothing in this world, that could stop you! But hey, what about your riding buddy in the back? And I don’t mean your best friend with hands full of beer from the local liquor store. I’ve prepared a true treat for those, who wonder what do woman feel like when they get on a bike. Surely being the female passenger must feel different.

Daniela and this really good looking guy:

I knew Daniela had a very interesting summer in Brazil, somewhere in the suburbs of Rio, to be more specific – that’s why I decided to ask her about her experience with motorcycles. I guess I was a thrill seeker for a little while. I got bored of my dull life and duties of a daughter, sister, and a student. My aunt and uncle have a chain of souvenir stores in Rio de Janeiro. They promised to take me in for a few months, so I’d see more of the world or something. God knows how she ended up on the streets of Rio, with a bunch of strangers and about to participate in a street motorcycle race. Daniela couldn’t really process what was going on, somebody gave her a leather belt and she was told to let her blond curls loose from her ponytail. I chose to ride with this really a good looking guy, with raven black hair and ice blue, pinning look in his eyes. He shouted something over his shoulder and approached his bike. Maybe he offered her his name. Daniela wasn’t certain what would make her feel more comfortable and not so out of place. The bikes made their way to the race line and she hurryingly grabbed a cool looking helmet from an unattended pile of those safety features. They had no female motorcycle helmets and once I put men’s on, I could barely see a thing. So I took it off and mindlessly placed it on my hip. Her biker finally stopped playing around with his machine and gave her a funny look – ‘You know we need to sit back to back, si?’ I was excited and utterly terrified at the same time -she recalls as we sit in my living room with warm socks on our feet and large mugs of hot cocoa. And the wind outside picks up, we can hear it howl somewhere in the attic. It’s warm in the house but for some odd reason we both shiver – probably for two distant reasons.

Illegal street racing:

When the time came, Daniela wrapped the belt around herself and offered the side with the buckle to the handsome guy. Some viewer, a small girl with red stockings and a pair of heavy looking boots – surely no older the Daniela – ran it their direction pointing at whatever my dear friend had with her. Once Red Stockings got closer, she shouted something in Spanish. Darn, I should have paid attention in class! At that moment I had no idea what to say. Before my friend started panicking about her inability to speak Spanish, the girl pointed at the helmet and said ‘Casco, no.’ – and took it from her hands with a toothy grin. And then they unexpectedly took off. All Daniela could hear was her own screams, she shut her eyelids closed and as they picked up speed the chilly night air hit her face. I swear, all I could hear was the roaring engine and the cheering crowds. She has never ridden a motorcycle, let alone back to back in a most likely illegal street race! Daniela squeezed her hands tighter around the guy’s waist and waited for it to end. There were 5 labs in the opening race and she remained in that uncomfortable position. We got off the bikes for a ten-minute break, I was shaking like crazy and blood pulsed in my ears. But something made me go again, and again, and again. Daniela was a passenger on a street race motorcycle every week, for a few months during her time in Brazil.

The Need for Speed:

What attracts these people to do such crazy things? I will never know because speed makes me nervous. I enjoyed Daniela’s story and hopefully, you did too! But remember, we are only people – really fragile beings and sometimes we do before we think. So don’t go experimenting with motorcycles and speed in a street race the first time you try. If your a biker with greater experience, please remember that there is something like adrenaline addiction – and this is a dangerous thing to be hooked on. Helmets up, speedometers down and be careful! If you really want to woo your girl with the help of your steel pony take her for a ride, not a race – stargazing and dinner recommended.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Honda Cars in Watertown NY: 8 Things to Check Before Buying a Second Hand Car

Buying a second hand car is a smart choice for people who don’t have the budget for brand new vehicles. A car’s value depreciates and for a lot of people that’s the time when they can afford to buy one. However, second-hand buyers should always be cautious when they go buy one since repairs could end up costing more than a brand new car. Check Before Buying a Second Hand Car: If you’re trying to buy a second hand car, here are some things you need to check first: 1. Reviews of the Car Model: Before heading to the dealership, make sure to do your research first. Find a site and look for the car model that you want and take note of its details. If you don’t have anything specific in mind yet, you can make a list of your options. Read reviews online and see what people think about the car. Check to see if they are verified owners of the car model, so you’re sure they’re giving legit comments. You can also check the price so you can gauge whether what you’re paying for the second-hand version is worth it. 2. The Controls: Buyers who are looking for a new car always test drive the vehicle before purchasing to make sure that it is the right feel for them. It is doubly crucial for second-hand buyers to do so too because you need to make sure that the car is still in good condition. Otherwise, you’ll soon find yourself browsing the Internet for the best car accident lawyers near you. Here are some of the controls you check on: Check whether all the control buttons are working Test the brakes, make sure it doesn’t have any vibrations and that it doesn’t swerve Make sure all warning lights light up when you turn on the ignition Turn on the heaters and air conditioners too 3. The Car’s Body: Checking the exterior surface of the car is an excellent way to tell whether the vehicle has been in an accident or not. The telltale signs include major dents on the surface and mismatched paint. The indentation is a dead giveaway so the previous owner would most probably have it fixed already. But carefully inspect the paint job. If one spot appears to look a different shade or as if it’s newly applied, then the previous owner might be covering something up. 4. The Tires: If the previous owner properly took care of the car, then there should be even tire wear on all of the tires. Car tires need to be rotated properly, and if they aren't it causes uneven wear. It could also mean that the wheels are poorly aligned caused by other problems like damage to the frame or worn steering components. 5. The Smell of the Interior: The moment you open the car door and get in, there should be no sign of suspicious odors. Make sure that there are no smells of gas because it could be a sign that there is a leak in the engine. If you smell mildew, it could mean that the car got flooded or there’s water leaking somewhere. 6. The Seats: Since you’ll be spending most of your car time in your seat, make sure that they’re in good condition as well. Adjust the seats and the seatbelts and see if they’re all working fine. Check the upholstery too. Make sure that there are no huge rips and tears that may cost you extra to get fixed. 7. The Fluid Levels: The fluids in a car are like its blood. Vehicles need it so they can function properly. The fluids or oils in a car lubricates its different parts. It protects your engine or brakes from wearing down much faster than they’re supposed to. Below are the different fluids you need to check: Engine Fluid - Good car owners always make sure to top up the engine fluids. A car won’t work as smooth as it’s supposed to if the engine fluid is at a low level. Use your dipstick to see at which level it is. Transmission Fluid - Make sure that there are no foreign particles in the transmission fluid like water droplets or metal particles. It should have a pinkish color and no burnt smell. Brake Fluid - The brake fluid should not have a dark color. It makes sure that your car properly stops when you step on the brakes. If it has a dark color, then it means that it may have internal corrosion or brake failures. 8. The Windows: If there are any minor scratches on the windows, it’s okay. However, if you see any small cracks, be wary. It may not seem like a serious issue at that moment, but over time it could turn into a big problem. You can also raise it as a concern to try and set the price for a lower bargain. Final Thoughts: Buying second hand cars could save you a lot of money if you pick the right one. You need to check everything that’s listed above to make sure that you’re spending your money on something worth it. If you’re not quite sure, you can always bring along a mechanic with you to help you inspect. Read Also: Pros And Cons Of Buying A Used Car Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car

How to Check If Your Car Tires Are Good

Around this time every year, car owners start to think about their tires. Should you change your tires now or wait until spring? Even if you’re ready to make that decision, how can you tell if your tires are in good condition? Many factors contribute to the condition of your wheels. Do you frequently drive into potholes? Have you considered the climate? For instance, winter tires wear faster than regular ones. Even if you hardly drive your car, how do you store the tires? Elements like age and heat can damage your tires regardless of usage. They technically start wearing out the second you drive out of the tire shop. Leaving your tires until next season can weaken their function. Avoid waiting until they burst in traffic before taking the necessary steps. Instead, get new tires as replacements when you notice the old ones start to deteriorate. Find out how to check if your car tires are good with these guidelines. Check the Tread Depth Just as your workout shoes wear out after several runs, your tires also take a beating after each drive. Regular car tires have different patterns marked on the surface. They also have deep ridges that help drivers grip the road while in motion. The tread depth measures the vertical length from the tire surface to the bottom of each tread. New tires have a tread depth of 10/32 inches. The longer you drive, the shallower the depth. The standard for used tires is 6/32 inches. Do your tire patterns feel smoother than usual? The tread depth is an easy DIY method to determine if you still have good tires. You can calculate the measurement in two ways using the tread depth gauge or silver coin. For the second test, insert a dollar coin into one of the grooves with the icon’s head facing down. If you can spot the entire part of the head, consider replacing your tires. However, the gauge is the most efficient method since it provides accurate measurements. A value lower than 5/32 indicates that you no longer have good tires. Similar Reads: Surprising Luxurious Car Designs How Old Are The Tires? Many drivers hold a sentimental value to tires that come with their cars. So they hold on to them longer than they should. Even if you don’t drive frequently, your tires have a fixed lifespan of five years. Rubber starts to decompose after a few years, regardless of the condition. Storing your tires through the winter could further damage them. You can determine the tire’s age by observing the four numbers imprinted on it called the DOT number. They contain relevant information like the week and year of manufacture. The first two numbers represent the week, while the last two indicate the year. A recent manufacture date aging not up to five years means you still have good tires. Tire Inflation Tires deflate slowly after each drive, as they lose up to one pound per square inch (psi) on average. Proper tire pressure keeps them inflated and lowers your fuel usage. Is your car consuming more fuel than usual? You might need to check if there’s adequate air in your tires. Since different cars have designated inflation pressure values of about 32 - 35 psi, you’ll need a pressure gauge. You can also find this measurement on the sticker behind your driver’s seat. Leave your car to rest for at least three hours and insert the gauge into the valve stem. If you get a higher number, let out the air until you get the correct value. For lower pressure, consult your mechanic to find out if you need new tires. Similar Reads: Major Car Maintenance Tips Evaluate The Motor Oil Have you noticed multiple signs of wear and tear on other vehicle parts? There’s a chance your engine oil needs replacement. The motor oil lubricates the engine parts and helps you have a smoother drive. Dirty oil impedes the engine’s functions and strains the wheel while driving. The more you struggle to steer, the worse the damage to your tires. Physical Condition As mentioned earlier, rubber decomposes after its set lifespan. Another way to determine the car’s tire quality is to inspect its physical condition. Do you feel bumps and scrapes on the tread wall? Even if you don’t find blisters, lookout for signs of rot like cracks and discoloration. The cuts resemble veins and make your tires look brittle. Avoid driving with decomposed tires since they lose air pressure. Wheel Balance Unless you’re driving over endless potholes, your car shouldn’t vibrate in traffic. Maybe you have a deep tread in your tires. But that doesn’t explain why you keep losing control of the steering wheel. Occurrences like this mean you possibly have damaged tires. To determine if you still have good tires, have your mechanic check out the wheel balance. Read Also: Rochester Buick GMC Buying Tips When Wanting A New Car The Decline of Cars Sales Has Led to an Increase of Motorcycles in the UK How To Choose The Best Wheels And Tires For Your Vehicle 2022 Car Models Drivers Crave – What’s on Your Radar?

Will eBikes Save the Planet?

Global warming is a worldwide problem that results from pollution and excess emission of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide. Therefore, different countries have come up with ways on how to deal with this problem. However, it is important for other people to play a part in conserving the environment and doing the right thing. Using electric bicycles is one of the ways you can save the planet. What are the environmental benefits of using eBikes? Zero emissions : An eBike relies on pedal power combined with an electric motor to reduce emissions. eBikes are highly recommended because they run on clean energy that would not harm the environment. Unlike diesel or gas that give off different amounts of carbon, an eBike won’t emit any gas. According to research, you can reduce your carbon footprint by using an eBike to run errands, cruise along with friends and commute to work. They have long-lasting batteries : The batteries of eBikes last for years before they are replaced. This means that, if you own an e-bike, you will reduce waste thus saving the planet. In addition, eBike batteries are mainly made from, unlike other batteries that contain lead. As a result, after replacing the batteries and throwing them away, they will not affect other living things and the environment because lithium is not poisonous. Lead is a heavy metal and when exposed to living things it has carcinogenic effects. Most cars and trucks use lead batteries and hence they have numerous effects on the environment. eBikes can be charged after peak hours : After using your bike for a while, you will have to charge it to continue using it in the future. Since the battery lasts long, you will have plenty of time in the evening to charge it. When you charge after peak hours, you will use the excess power generated by the power company and you won’t cause any blackouts and brownouts. Furthermore, you will not strain the power grid and thus save energy. Saving energy is one of the ways you can make this planet a better place. The bikes can be charged using sustainable energy : You can use wind or solar power to charge the battery of your bike. This is quite helpful because you don’t have to rely on electricity or other forms of energy only. Sustainable energy is mainly renewable and has no effects on the planet whatsoever. As more people are adopting this form of energy, being able to charge your bike using sustainable energy is an advantage. Some sources of energy e.g. generators rely on fuel to generate energy and this has a negative impact on the environment because of the gases emitted. This is not the case with renewable sources of energy such as water, geothermal and wind. eBikes causes less wear and tear on the roads : Besides polluting the air with their exhaust, automobiles destroy roadways because they are heavy and probably they are carrying the heavy road. When the roads break down and require repairs, heavy machinery is used to patch the roads. The heavy machinery gives off emissions which result in global warming. If you start using an eBike, it is not only lightweight but also easy to use on the roads. This will result in less wear and tear, reduce emissions and expensive repairs on the roads. eBikes have no air pollution : Air pollution refers to the production of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Some of the gases produced include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen (IV) oxide. Some of these gases are acidic and when they are emitted, they can cause acid rain. Acid rain has a number of side effects on plants, animals, and structures. Therefore, reducing the emission of these gases from automobiles, factories, and industries is one of the ways to curb this problem. Also, when chlorofluorocarbons are released to the atmosphere, they accumulate on the upper layers of the atmosphere preventing the rays of the sun from escaping. This results in global warming which changes weather and climate in different places cause tsunamis, melting snow, etc. One of the problems in major cities and towns is air pollution in the form of smog. Smog has varying effects depending on its intensity but causing respiratory problems to man is the main side effect. It is evident that there are a number of ways we can save the planet when using an eBike. However, everyone must be willing to cooperate to make it a success. Finally, awareness is quite important because some people might not know the benefits of using eBikes. Read Also : How To Choose The Right Motorcycle Tires For The Motorcycle