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Leather saddlebags vary in quality and there can be different types of leather. However there are 3 Major categories used to classify the leather used to make saddlebags. They are split, vegetable and chrome leather motorcycle saddlebags. All of these different types of leather saddlebags have one specific method to care. Proper and adequate care increases the life of leather and protects the aesthetics of it. Please note that the leather used in making saddlebags is very different from the one used for apparel. As a result the care also differs. Leather care can be broken down in four major categories.
1. Cleaning
2. Conditioning
3. Polishing
4. protecting

It is required to work on the leather Motorcycle saddlebags in a well ventilated area. This is due to the problems related to the dangerous chemicals, which are included in the cleaning solutions. An ideal place to clean the saddlebags is outdoors. However a garage can also be an ideal place only if it is well ventilated.

Choose a good quality cleaning solution that does not pose danger to the color of your leather saddlebags. If the cleaning solution is very strong not only it would pose danger to your leathers color but it would also weaken the threat used for stitching the leather. Water can be added to dilute the cleaning solution. To make sure the strength of cleaning solution is right start by cleaning the back of the saddlebag and see the results. The cleaning solution can be applied using any kind of cloth as long as it is perfectly clean. Most leather experts consider nubuk cleaning cloth to be the best solution.

The second stage in the leather care is conditioning of your leather saddlebags. Conditioning does not need to be done regularly but conditioning once in a while is an excellent way to keep you leather saddlebags in good condition. The process of conditioning consists of lubricating the leather saddlebags. Lubricating is done by applying a thin coat of oil on the leather saddlebags. After all leather is skin of an animal and like most skins it needs to be moisturized in order to look good and last long.

The third stage of leather care is polishing. Polishing is done to make your leather saddlebags stand out and look more glamorous. When selecting the polish make sure it does not clog the pours of the leather to make it dry.

The fourth and the last stage in the leather care is adding moister barrier to your leather saddlebags. This process tends to block the pours of the leather to prevent damage caused by rain. Another advantage of this process is that the saddlebags can look clean for longer period of time.

It is important for the motorcycle riders to protect their leather saddlebags from rain and especially mud. If you plan on going off road use saddlebag rain covers.

Harry Alan has been manufacturing Leather Saddlebags for last 11 years.
Find out more information regarding motorcycle saddlebags at http://www.vikingbags.com

When people cruise they somewhat experience a magical feeling. To enjoy this feeling to its fullest one must be care free. This is where motorcycle saddlebags come in. The following paragraphs provide step by step guideline on how to get the best bags for your money.

The first step when buying Motorcycle saddlebags is to consider the following 2 factors. These factors are your budget and the nature of motorcycle usability.Once you have a clear idea about both of the above mentioned factors. You should go out to hunt for the perfect pair of motorcycle saddlebags for your motorcycle.

The second step is to avoid motorcycle dealerships to buy saddlebags as they charge top prices for the bags and often do not provide real leather. Internet is a more suitable way to shop for the motorcycle accessories as you are under no buying pressure plus you have a large variety available. Type in the kind of leather bags you are looking for in Google, yahoo, or e bay search box. Be specific for example if you are looking for Harley Davidson softail saddlebags type in the whole phrase not just saddlebags or leather saddlebags. Please avoid misspelling as misspelled search terms would get you a very different result than the desired results.

The third step is to identify the kind of saddlebags you want. Typically there are 2 kinds of bags, throw over bags (ranging from 100 to 200 in price) and bolt on bags (ranging from 150 to 500).Throw over bags are easier to install and take off as compared to Bolton bags unless used with detachable brackets that cost between 100 to 170 dollars. Bolt on bags are usually made of leather unlike most throw over bags unless the manufacturer states. Bolt on saddlebags look better in certain cases on a bike.

Make sure the saddlebags match the other leather or non leather accessories on your motorcycle. The shape and size of the saddlebags should compliment the motorcycle and vice versa. Most motorcycle riders try to match the color of seat with the color of the saddlebags in order to improve the general look of their motorcycle.
The fourth step is to match the leather tanage(color) with the seat and other leather accessories on the bike.

Match the hardware on the seat or tool bags on the bike to that on the saddlebags. For example if your tool bag has studs on it or your seat is studded it would be cool to have studded saddlebags.

Try to buy bags that are lockable, have quick release buckles and most importantly offer some kind of guarantee. Try buying saddlebags directly from the manufacturers rather than an internet seller as the manufacturers respect their promises due to their capability and skills in the field. Manufacturers also provide better after sale service due to their experience in the field. Make sure that you buy saddlebags mounting hardware after you have bought the bags and prior to their installation on the motorcycle.

Harry Alan has been manufacturing Leather Saddlebags for last 11 years.
Find out more information regarding motorcycle saddlebags at http://www.vikingbags.com

ATV is one hobby that eats so much of my cash. It often makes a roll of Kleenex surprisingly heavier than my starving wallet. But I never mind that, I have a super cool ATV (that Ive always dreamt of having as a kid) sitting in the garage. Thats it. My ATV is always sitting in that musty garage that friends often check nastily to see if eggs have suddenly appeared underneath the chassis.

As you might have guessed, the problem is that this baby cost so much that I would personally break down if anything should happen to it. And frankly, ATV tends to encounter a lot of potential damages on treacherous terrain or whats the use of an ATV. Might as well buy a hearse. So protect did I, and the best protection I can afford is not taking it out yet. But that was before I installed the ATV skid plates after scrounging enough money to buy a set of sexy ATV skid plates.

Okay disregard sexy, but what is an ATV skid plate? These are plates commonly used to cover the front bumpers and the underside of ATVs to protect the radiator, steering and the chassis (basically the whole body) from damage caused by rocks, dirt and other elements. This is an essential accessory. Except if you use your ATV to deliver the neighborhood milk, aside from yourself, your baby is also bound to get pounded, ravaged, and pounded yet again by a considerable degree. I could stand a minor bruise, hell; I could manage a tourniquet, as long as my baby survives the ride.

There are various kinds of ATV skid plates, and they protect certain areas of your ATV. But probably the most important are the front skid plate to protect the radiator and the belly plate to protect the underside, which, obviously is often in contact with the terrain.

I cant stress enough how important ATV skid plates are. If you are comfortable shelling out $8,000 for ATVs, then still attach the ATV skid plates and do Mother Nature a favor by not scraping every ATV you can get your hands on.

Now, here are some cool sites that offer various ATV skid plates that no doubt youll find sexy.

Most ATV Skid Plates purchased online are do-it-yourself. It comes with manual. But if you still have problems or have some difficulty identifying a screwdriver from a monkey wrench, you could always have it installed by a qualified technician.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://articles.net.au your best source for FREE articles and information.

ATV wheels have the same characteristic: defined threads, durable tear and snag resistant tire material and large balloon like construction.

Definitely the most ingenious aspect of ATV is in its wheels, no arguments. ATVs defining factor is the ATV wheels, making it possible for ATVs to travel and work even in the absence of roads.

All ATV wheels have the same characteristic: large defined threads or knobs for better traction in all kinds of terrain, extra durable tear and snag resistant material for the tire bodies to protect it against puncture from sharp objects, and large balloon-like construction to help the wheels avoid small pits and rocks on the trail. It also helps the wheel climb out of any obstacle. And in some cases afford flotation.

When necessity initiated the ATVs invention in Japan, ATV wheels were the deciding factor in its success. Osamu Takeuchi led the development team that was assigned by Honda Research & Development to develop a vehicle suited for winter travel. The outcome was the development team spawning a prototype vehicle with six ATV wheels. But still the invention didnt have the cutting edge technology that will enable it to meet the demand.

However, when Osamu Takeuchi got hold of an American invention called the Amphi Cat, the design process quickly hasten to completion. The Amphi Cat had rolled on six 20 inch low pressure high flotation balloon tires, and Osamu Takeuchi revamped his ATV invention until it can accept the Amphi Cats wheel which became the trademark of modern day ATV wheels.

To date, there are various types of ATV wheels that are designed to meet specific terrain conditions. Though most wheel types still work adequately on other terrain, there are such ATV wheels that would perform poorly on a specific terrain. One instance would be the race tires against sand dunes.

Race Tires
Usually developed to create greater traction on different conditions, this wheel type has defined knobs and threads. Also, some of these tires are flatter to afford ample hold on the terrain.

Trail Tires
Trail tires are created to be more durable to defend against punctures against sharp objects such as rocks or wood splinters. Some of these tires are large, balloon-like construction to afford flotation (defense against sinking in bogs and sandy parts) in soggy terrain and mud.

Sand Tires
These tires are also called Paddle Tires since the threads do exactly just that - to paddle. These tires are usually made balloon-like, with few but enormously large threads. The balloon construction will help avoid sinking even in the softest sand and the enormous threads afford traction.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://articles.net.au your best source for FREE articles and information.

One of the most common problems with motorcycle Luggage especially saddlebags is sagging. Over the years or some times over the months the saddlebags start cracking and sagging due to either the weather or poor quality. This can be a very frustrating situation as the saddlebags can start to look very unappealing and ruin the aesthetics of a motorcycle.

The good news is that there is a solution that most people do not know about. In case your saddlebags are sagging or cracking you should contact your local hardware store. Get abs plastic glue that is usually found in the plumbing section of most hardware stores. If the saddlebag has a crack or a small hole this abs thick glue can be used to fill the crack. However in many cases these cracks are not minor and look more like a hole in the saddlebag.

In order to deal with a saddlebag with a hole the procedure differs slightly. The application of the following process might vary slightly. The first thing in case of a hole is to get hold of the best duct tape you can find. Make sure it is black in color. It is highly recommended to carry out this procedure in a well ventilated place. Also make sure that the saddlebags are empty while carrying out this repair. Close the hole by applying the duct tape from inside the saddlebag. After closing the hole properly from the inside apply the abs glue to fill the gap from outside. Please ensure that the glue is not used unnecessarily. Also make sure that the glue does not leak from the inside of the saddlebag. Give it 30 minutes to dry and you would be amazed with the results.

Another common motorcycle luggage problem is the sagging of saddlebags. This problem is more common in cheap saddlebags made of 2-3 mm leather as opposed to saddlebags made of thick cowhide i.e. 8-12mm in thickness. You can avoid or prolong this problem by buying good saddlebags. Unfortunately this problem occurs in most leather saddlebags over time.

In order to fix sagging saddlebags you would need plastic polystyrene sheets and very strong glue. You can get these sheets and glue from any hardware store in your locality. Once you have both the sheets and glue start by removing the saddlebags from the motorcycle. Then measure the saddlebags and cut an exact replica of the sagging lid or face out of polystyrene sheet. Apply the glue on the sheet and stick it to the saddlebag from inside. In order for the sheet to have a stronger bond with the bag put some weight on the sheet and leaves it over night. Your saddlebags would be ready in the morning.

Harry Alan has been manufacturing Leather Saddlebags for last 11 years.
Find out more information regarding motorcycle saddlebags at http://www.vikingbags.com

Sometimes, there is need to raise your ATV even just a fraction away from the ground. It could be a much too rocky terrain that keeps banging on the ATVs underside, or your ATV is way too lowered and you need to pass a stretch of a watery trail. Either way, you need ATV lift kits to get the work done.

ATV lift kits are sets of bolts and braces that are designed to adjust your ATV and gain more ground clearance. ATV lift kits have an average of 2 inch lift. They are also easy bolt-on-bracket system that you can easily install while on the road.

There are several kinds of ATV lift kits available, most of them designed for a specific machine so it isnt choose-your-preference exercise. You should consider your vehicle type and the manufacturers stock suspension. You should consider, too, the existing lift your ATV tires allow on your vehicle and decide how much lift you need installed. You need to balance the overall existing conditions of your ATV and the lift youre going to install, if theres a working harmony between them. Remember, the higher your ATV is from the ground, the higher, too, will be its center of gravity. This, in turn will heighten the risk of your ATV of overturning.

Besides terrain conditions, ATV lift kits are also used to enhance an ATVs working condition. Here are some samples of ATV lift kits and how it is employed to enhance performance.

ATV Lift Kit used: Kawasaki Mule Lift System
Applies on all Mules (Kawasaki)

This lift system provides 2″ lift while improving the suspensions of the mule. The kit replaces the front coils, increasing the non cab model spring rate by 15% and the cab model by 35%. Spacers for the struts complete the front lift. The rear lift is achieved using extended length shackles which provide extra clearance.

The improvement would allow a greater load limit than without the enhancement. Since the overall load capabilities have improved, the work capabilities for this machine has proportionally improved.

ATV Lift Kit used: Honda Lift Systems
Applies on: TRX350 -00-04, TRX400 AT 04-05, TRX400 91-93, TRX450 98-05, TRX500 02-05, TRX650 03-04

This 2 inch lift system enhances the bikes handling, performance and stability by making modifications to the stock geometry. The design will be a large factor in stabilizing the bikes suspension and make it more sure footed over rough terrain.

This installation allows more stability in rough terrain. If used in junction with large and wide set of tires, rest assured all rides will be comfortable.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://articles.net.au your best source for FREE articles and information.

When ATV became a major competitor in recreational and utility vehicle in 1984, it also escalated the growing concerns of the public. ATV was becoming a controversial vehicle. There was an estimated 60,000 injuries in 1986, all ATV related due to improper riding behavior and overly excessive thrill riding. In 1988, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) entered into an unprecedented 10-year agreement with American ATV manufacturers called the Final Consent Decree. The agreement funded $100 million to expand existing safety programs like free training incentives to ATV owners. But the biggest move of the Final Consent Decree was the production shift from three wheeled ATVs to four wheeled ATVs. Additionally, manufacturers repurchased any unsold three wheel models and trade in three wheeled models with the four wheel ATVs.

In spite of that move, injuries and deaths still occur regularly. On 2004 alone, statistics released by the CPSC estimated 136,000 injuries associated with ATVs are recorded on American hospitals, doubling the numbers of accidents the last decade. The expiration of the decree didnt help with the ATV safety practices, though it effectively replaced the three wheels with the four wheels ATV. And the CPSC had a number of flaws; it only covers the manufacturers present at the forging of the decree. New manufacturers who entered the market after the forging of Final Consent Decree are not covered by the plans so to speak and that gave them a considerable leeway towards ATV manufacturing. Also, overseas manufacturers are completely exempt of this decree.

There have been decrees attending to the nature of the machines themselves. One such decree is the balance of the machine with regards to the riders age. Riders under the age of 16 are strictly prohibited from riding ATVs with 90cc engines. Various states have also enacted legislations governing ATV usage within their boundaries, like for instance the riders age and the engine displacements should concede with the decrees.

Some advocates, though, argue that a child starting to ride ATVs at younger age improves ATV safety. They had stated that this child would develop necessary expertise as he grows older instead of waiting until he is sixteen and handling larger ATVs. In effect, CPSC approved the usage of smaller ATVs with 50cc to be used by youngsters as early as 6.

All Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) was formed in 1988 to implement a program of ATV safety, education and awareness to the interested ATV riders. Since it is a non-profit organization, the cost for attending ATV safety training is minimal. ASI is a division of Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), also an organization promoting safe and responsible use of specialty vehicles.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://articles.net.au your best source for FREE articles and information.