Husqvarna Motorcycle Revolution
| by Chris Nicholas | April 02, 2008
Husqvarna Motorcycles are a world renown company that has been around since the beginning of the 1900's. In the mid-1900's, Husqvarna motorcycles were untouchable and dominate in every division until a change in ownership made it difficult to keep up with the high demand for production. Since then, Husqvarna has been slowly working its way back into the racing scene but with little success until now. The Husqvarna motorcycle company was sold once again in July of 2007. Will this new change in ownership be enough to bring Husqvarna motorcycles back into the #1 position?
The legend of Husqvarna motorcycles started back when Husqvarna rolled out its first production motorcycle in 1903 from their factory located in Huskvarna, Sweden. Husqvarna has always been known for producing world-class motocross and enduro bikes with unbelievable sling-shot power bands. Husqvarna won many world championships back in the 60's and 70's in both motocross and enduro classes. Husqvarna was winning championships in all of the 125, 250, 350, and 500cc divisions with some years winning multiple championships.
Husqvarna absolutely dominated the competition for decades until 1987 when an Italian company named Cagiva purchased the Husqvarna motorcycle division and moved production to Varese, Italy. Cagiva introduced some new 2-stroke models and did away with the old 2-stoke models which already had numerous championship titles but still kept the same 4-stroke models. The new 2-stroke bikes had difficulty competing with the Japanese made bikes and Cagiva couldn't produce enough bikes and parts to supply the high demand. This change in ownership is why Husqvarna motorcycles and parts became so hard to find causing them to be known more as a rare and exotic motorcycle.
It has been 2 decades now that Husqvarna motorcycles have been struggling to get back into the competition field only taking a world championship here and there, but with a new change in ownership may prove to be the end of the struggle. In July of 2007, the BMW Motor Company decided to purchase the Husqvarna motorcycle company for the sole intention of marketing Husqvarna motorcycles to help market BMW's line of motorcycles. You see, BMW makes large-engine motorcycles and they want to market Husqvarna's small-engine motorcycles to help bring the young crowd’s attention to BMW’s large-engine motorcycles. BMW plans on running Husqvarna just as it is with the same factory and staff.
Now Husqvarna has exactly what it needs with all the financial support of BMW, the world renown car and large motorcycle manufacturer, to help bring Husqvarna back on top of the competition. With 2 world renown companies bringing their ideas together they can start producing larger production factories, more dealerships, new technologies, and millions of dollars in advertisement to let it be known of the new change. This potent mix is going to cause a revolution in motorcycle designs of the future and it is just around the corner!
Article Source: http://www.articleset.com
SUV - Four-Wheel-Drive Ultimate Style
Fancy zipping around in a snazzy and powerful vehicle? Then, sports utility vehicles or SUVs as commonly known are meant for you. SUVs are powerful passenger vehicles which are a combination of the functionality of a large pick-up vehicle and the spacious seating of a station-wagon. These vehicles are also known as `off-road vehicle` or `four-wheel drive vehicle`, because they are commonly used for rough-terrain driving.
Sports utility vehicles are capable of tackling all sorts of terrain and their large storage capacity make them ideal for rugged areas. They are also used for regions which otherwise would be unreachable by other motors. A full-sized sports utility vehicle has three rows of seats with the luggage area behind the last row. Even the most compact ones will not have less than five seats. These vehicles can tow big trailers, caravans and boats with comparative ease because of their powerful towing capacity. They have large interiors, higher ride height and are supposed to have a higher safety drive.
Sports utility vehicles have always been very popular with rural buyers because of their `off-road` capabilities and the vehicles for urban use have usually been developed from their more rugged, rural counterparts. Compact SUVs are more suited to city driving and they can be stylish, yet, not cost very much. The seating capacity maybe for five passengers but they have high seating positions and also maybe available in `four-wheel drive` making them suitable for `off-road` terrain.
Some SUV users may find that these smaller versions offer more car-like rides than might be expected in a small jeep. These compact versions may be the answer to those who feel that SUVs are more like light trucks instead of passenger vehicles. The towing capacity of these compact sports utility vehicles maybe less powerful but they have fully independent suspension and their standard seat fabric is water-resistant making it for easy cleaning.
SUVs generally appeal to our sense of adventure and being larger and sometimes more expensive than other cars, the buying process may turn out to be a harrowing experience. It is always better to be aware that a new SUV, like any other new car, will incur new costs but in higher quantities. Insurance rates, fuel charges, taxes and licensing may be more than what you would pay for a different car and despite, attempts to streamline its fuel capacity, it is still not as fuel-efficient when compared to other cars. Realizing this, SUVs manufacturers are looking at using alternative fuels like diesel, bio-diesel and ethanol.
SUV safety is constantly improving with airbags and rollover protection, anti-lock brakes, traction control, compatibility with other vehicles and pedestrian concerns. It is essential to keep in contact with the manufacturer of a sports utility vehicle so that you can be updated with the latest recalls, service bulletins and other important information. Gas prices are rising and because of this, SUVs that get more gas mileage are getting more popular.
These vehicles often have similar engines as pick-up trucks but with increased popularity in the urban segment, many luxury features have been added. They also have lower ground clearance and suspension designed mainly for paved city roads with the added advantage of being able to raise the suspension to go off-road. This feature is something which is not offered in many cars. Higher ground clearance is useful in places with heavy snowfall.
Reviled by many as that gas-guzzling, carbon-emitting vehicle, SUVs nonetheless have their fair share of admirers and nothing pleases them more than driving these super-powerful vehicles especially on rough and rugged terrain.
Your Car Move and The DMV
So, all your bags are packed and you are finally ready to move. But, what about your car? Are you going to drive it yourself or is it being moved by an Auto Moving Company? Regardless of your choice, have you considered the Local DMV Rules of the new state? Once you have settled into your New Home, the first thing you need to do is change your License Plates. The License Plates of one state will not be valid in another. So, unless you want to avail Public Transport, I suggest you get those License Plates changed as quickly as possible. If you want, you can also get really cool License Plates that reflect your Style and Attitude. Start off life in a new city by making a great first impression.
Just changing the License Plates may not be enough though! Did you know that while in Michigan, a Driver’s License is issued only to those above 18 years of age, and in Alaska, teens as young as 16 years of age can get a Drivers License, provided they have parental consent?
For Commercial Vehicles the ages may differ from 18 to 25 depending upon the state. In order to drive around in your own car, you need to have a new License issued. Many State Laws make it compulsory to take a Driving Test before Issuing or Renewing a License.
So, brush up on your Driving Skills and Traffic Laws in order to get your New State License. Students, keep in mind, if you are below the minimum age for driving, you will either be issued a License on parental consent or not issued a License at all. Find out about these details before shifting your car too. In case, you are not able to obtain a License, you might consider selling your car and buy a new one later when you reach the proper age.
The DMV of each state is also responsible for registering your car. In some states, two separate agencies are in charge of issuing Licenses and Registering Vehicles. Most states have a deadline by which you should apply for Vehicle Registration and Driving License. So make sure you visit the local DMV office as soon as possible.
However, getting your work done at the DMV can be quite tricky. There are some things that take up a lot of time in the DMV. Even though the DMV has a high standard of meeting up to customer’s expectations, it is better to be prepared for delays regarding some procedures. Take care of Emission Checks. 30 out of the 50 states in the United States have laws that state that emission checks are mandatory before a Car Registration.
Keep all your papers, including Identification Proof and Social Security Number at hand. Following a number of cases of Underage Licenses being issued, the DMV has become very strict in checking regulation papers.
The slow functioning system of the DMV operations has long been a national joke. But don’t let this bother you too much. Visit your Local DMV and start driving around in your Car in no time at all !!!