Archive for July, 2008
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Harlan Mannigel, the host of the Polaris ATV Adventure Tours, was quoted recently in the Salt Lake (UT) Tribune in a story about the National ATV Jamboree in Fillmore, Utah.
Harlan has long been an enthusiastic participant in the National ATV Jamboree, sometimes leading groups of riders on treks through the spectacular Utah scenery, sometimes enjoying a busman’s holiday of purely recreational riding at the Jamboree between Polaris ATV Adventure Tours.
Here’s the lead paragraph of the article:
“Harlan Mannigel makes a living planning and leading all-terrain vehicle adventure tours across America for Polaris Industries. When it comes time for the Mosinee, Wi., resident just to be a rider and leave the organizing to someone else, Mannigel heads to this town in central Utah for the National ATV Jamboree.”
The article continues:
“I’m fond of telling people that when God created the universe he gave the state of Utah the most beautiful scenery to be viewed anywhere and, as an afterthought, he threw in the world’s best ATV trails,” said Mannigel. “That’s my genuine feeling. When you add the amazing local people of Fillmore you get the country’s best ATV jamboree.”
This year’s Jamboree was held in June. Utah is home to several of the nation’s best ATV rallies, and several upcoming events are listed at the end of this story.
Harlan and his wife Bev co-host Polaris ATV Adventure Tours and Polaris Snowmobile Adventure Tours. These are turn-key tour packages that take riders to some of North America’s most exciting and scenic riding destinations.
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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Many motorcycles have been around for many years. The Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle is one of these motorcycles. Many things can happen in the world of motorcycles. Many things did happen and happened to improve the Kawasaki motorcycle. Let’s look at how the consumer image of the Kawasaki motorcycle of 2008 has changed since the Kawasaki motorcycle of 1998.
Overall rating of the Kawasaki motorcycle
Taken as a whole, both the 1998 and the 2008 the Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle scored similarly. The top score is 100 and the Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle scored 65.1 and 64.1 respectively. As you can see, it is better then average, which would have been 50, but still on the lower end of better.
Engine performance of the Kawasaki motorcycle
Engine performance in a Kawasaki motorcycle is very important. Engine performance is important in any motorcycle, not just a Kawasaki motorcycle, but it appears that the Kawasaki motorcycle has definitely improved with time. The 1998 Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle performed almost 10 points lower, at a 58.7, compared to the 68.2 engine of the 2008 Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle.
Reliability and Problem Free Driving of the Kawasaki motorcycle
Unfortunately, the 1998 Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle did better in this area. It scored a 68.8, a full four points higher then the 2008 model. It appears then that the 2008 Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle is falling in this area.
Fun Factor of the Kawasaki Motorcycle
Fun, fun, fun. Motorcycles are all about fun. So what did consumers think of the Eliminator 125 Kawasaki motorcycle? In 1998, it was scored at 70.5, and it improved in 2008 with a score of 71.7. The Kawasaki motorcycle of 2008 is more fun then the 1998 model.
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Monday, July 14th, 2008
Purchasing an RV requires plenty of careful thought and planning. It takes more than visiting the closest lot and writing a check; it takes deliberation and thought. There are plenty of comparison guides to help with this decision and the internet is a good resource as well.When comparing RVs it is important to compare similar RVs with one another. You certainly would not compare a Class A to a Fifth Wheel and vice versa. Keep the comparison in the same category.
Size and weight tend to be common factors, so see if one brand offers more than the other. For instance, a five foot RV could offer just two bedrooms in one brand and three bedrooms in the next, and if you have use and need for that extra room, then your decision is made.
After buying your first RV, you will come to better understand what you need and even develop a loyalty to the brand that fits you best.Features alone should not control how you compare the RV. How well they treat their customers, their warranty policy, and how fast they can take care of any problems need to also be considered.For answers to these concerns, it is advisable to ask other RVers who have first hand knowledge. Some will relate horror stories and cautionary tales, and others will sing the praises and may do so for the brand that you were just warned against. Weigh each testimonial carefully before settling on a brand.
Another factor to consider is if the brands you are comparing will be able to meet the same needs. You do not want to get stuck with something that does not suit you. If you are going to be a full timer, consider brands that cater to this lifestyle. If you are going to only stay on the road one or two months or less, find a brand that is best.
Two of the most popular RV brands on the market today are Winnebago and Fleetwood.
Winnebago is a trusted manufacturer of RVs and have been around for several decades. Fleetwood has been around since the mid-twenties. Both of the brands are trusted by most RVers. Both manufacturers feature deluxe models as well as towed RVs. Their customer service is well received.
Winnebago and Fleetwood are constantly innovating and improving the RV and it may be a good idea to start your RV search with these brands, as they tend to offer something for everybody
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Friday, July 11th, 2008
When you talk about buying second-hand stuff, the first thing that comes to mind is that since it’s second-hand, it’s probably second rate. But in terms of buying used Mini ATVs, it’s our contention that it’s perfectly fine. Of course, if you had the financial resource to actually get a spanking brand new one, by all means, go ahead. There’s nothing better than buying a new ATV instead of a used mini ATVs. But we understand that not everyone’s got that kind of cash all stacked up in their bank account and some of us may have to buy used mini ATVs instead.But buying used mini ATVs is not actually such a bad idea at all. It depends a lot on the quality, brand and condition of the used mini ATV.
I mean, if the previous owner hardly used the mini ATV, it would be almost brand new, wouldn’t it? The fact that it was previously owned by someone else doesn’t automatically mean that the used ATV is in disrepair. So, the first rule of thumb is, (if you want to buy a used mini ATV) to inspect the machine properly before you buy the used mini ATV. And you should also probably conduct a very short ‘interview’ with the seller of the mini ATV. What you’re trying to do here is to make sure that the used mini ATV is in good condition and you’re trying to establish the extent of use on the used mini ATV. Some owners of these expensive ATVs actually use it for a short period of time, for short trips, or bought it as a temporary measure. When they no longer need it, they sell it off.The better the brand, the more lasting the used mini ATVs will be. If the used mini ATV is from a reputable brand name, you don’t have very much to worry about especially if the previous owner has been using the mini ATV for a short period of time. That’s because established brand names used higher quality materials to produce and manufacture their mini ATVs and can usually outlast any other cheaper brands.Before you sign your name on the dotted line, it’s better if the previous owner permits a test drive. Some owners might not like the idea of their potential buyers test driving the used mini ATVs before the actual purchase – this, in itself, is already suspect. Therefore, don’t buy the used mini ATV if the seller is reluctant to let you test drive the machine before purchase. Testing the used mini ATV is an important part of the purchase process because you can determine the condition of the used mini ATV by merely taking it on a very short drive
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008
ithin Australia the two main car manufactures were Ford and Holden. Holden originally an Australian company, since brought out by GM and Ford one of the earliest sellers of motor vehicles in Australia, are thus both seen to have an Aussie history that other car builders just don’t have. Because of this when it comes to talking to Australian Petrol heads, better known as Bevans, one to the biggest arguments is which is better Fords or Holden’s? normally referring to the Falcon vs. Commodores. Normally 6 cylinders, but they also both come in V8 editions.
Let me join the debate by saying both are seriously lacking.
In the course of my employ I have driven or been a passenger in both vehicles in a variety of demanding situations and at speed and I have criticisms of both.In the case of the Falcon’s, Ford has a long history of having what can only be described as ‘loose’ steering, in particular at high speed the Falcon’s begin to ‘float’. Just when you want a car to be holding stronger to the ground with great ground force they feel very soft on the road with the slightest bump pushing it all over the place. The latest editions of the Falcons I will admit have allot more pick up, power, acceleration, but without increased control this just makes it scary. Also at the top end, the pinging of the engine is a worry. The sound of the pistons hitting the head and producing what can only be described as a unique sound informs you this is not a performance vehicle.
Another problem with the Falcon is it goes into a rear end or tail skid very easily. That’s alright for someone who knows what to do when this happens but very disturbing habit for anyone who’s a bit green to driving.
The Commodores no Angel either. It does stick to the ground allot better than the Ford Falcon, but the latest editions seem gutless in comparison to driving a Ford. Further under heavy braking the steering control is not as good as the Falcon. Although not as easy as a Falcon to get into a skid, when it does skid it tends to be the more dangerous front wheel skid. Make sure the ABS is working or your in trouble. I can hear some people saying, come on, the Holden’s and Fords dominate Australia’s premier race the Bathurst 1000. In response, its not hard to dominate a race where the rules are doctored to ensure that Holden’s and Fords are the only real contenders.
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Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Nobody these days needs to be reminded how frustrating it can be to fly by commercial scheduled airlines. The check-in delays, security hassles and overbooking have caused customer complaints to spike in recent years, causing more passengers to search for an alternative to air travel. But without your own aircraft and an expensive pilot’s license, the only way to avoid the airlines and still travel by air has been private aircraft charter.
When we think of chartering our own aircraft however, what comes to mind are busy executives, Hollywood stars and politicians jaunting around the globe in multi-million dollar business jets that can cost as much as $6,000 or more per flight hour to rent. There are less expensive fractional aircraft ownership alternatives available on luxury turboprop aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12, but the cost of these shares is still out of reach of many middle income travelers and small business owners.
Recent advances in today’s composite general aviation aircraft like Cirrus Design’s slick SR-22 Turbo G3 have pushed the performance envelope of smaller four passenger aircraft far beyond what was imaginable just a few years ago. The SR-22 has a maximum cruise speed of 219 knots true airspeed (252 miles per hour), but is usually operated more closer to 220 miles per hour. Compared to your Grandfather’s old plane that lumbered along at 125 miles per hour, modern luxury four-seat aircraft can seriously shorten trip legs and make multi-city day trips possible.Realistically, very few people afford to fly by expensive aircraft charter. But what if the fares for private air charter ever dropped to a price point that was affordable to all of us? By flying the Cirrus SR-22, one charter network is now flying business and pleasure flights for under $500 per flight hour for the whole plane.Stratus Alliance is a network of independent, FAA-certified charter operators strategically placed around the country that is capitalizing on the efficiency of the SR-22. Stratus Alliance is able to book “destination direct” charter flights for up to three passengers per flight to small municipal airports within their service area, which includes the East Coast and Texas.
The new secret weapon of these new charter travelers is the use of the smaller airfields surrounding every city in the land. When the competition is stuck at the gate while the airline tries to decide if they should cancel their flight, a traveler on a chartered SR-22 will have already launched for a flight to a small airport just a few miles from where they need to be. When other travelers are trapped on the tarmac awaiting departure, the people who arrived on a chartered SR-22 will have already finished negotiating a couple of morning deals.More people are discovering the affordability that comes when flying single-engine air charter, and industry experts predict this new single-engine charter model to blossom into a nationwide powerhouse. Right now, medium-sized corporations can only afford to fly their upper management via private air charter, while their sales, technical, engineering and support personnel must roll the dice and put up with the undependable schedules that comes with flying commercial. As more of these companies realize they can now get their key personnel on site quickly with a “moment’s notice” flight, we’ll begin to see a whole new level of competitiveness evolve
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Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
As your OTR experience builds, consider becoming an owner operator through semi truck leasing with Anderson Trucking Service. We’re a people-oriented company, and we want to see every member of our business family get ahead. That’s why we offer great terms on new and used pre-certified semi truck leasing. Boost your income as you get the feel of managing your own tractor and trailer rig business.
We consider our new and used pre-certified Peterbilt, Volvo and Freightliner Columbia and Classic XL models the most reliable power units in operation. All have 435/500-horsepower Caterpillar or Detroit engines, 10 or 13 speed transmissions and air suspension, as well as many other great specs. We offer full 500,000-mile engine warranties and fuel-price protection for the duration of your 12-month lease.
Used semi truck leases can be an even more cost-effective way to get inside the door to truck ownership. We lease only the top-performing equipment from our fleet turnover, offering a 30 day bumper to bumper, and a full 12-month power train warranty. We even protect you from fuel-price surges with our Fuel Protection Program. Get off to a great start with free plates and permits, and put no money down if you meet application criteria. Leasing a used semi truck from ATS is the next logical step in your driving career.
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