Goodbye Car - Hello Vespa Scooter!

I have been interested in buying a Vespa recently - there seem to be more and more of them buzzing around the streets of San Francisco.

Its hard not to notice these shiny, bright (and cute) scooters that seemingly zip through traffic with ease - and even harder to miss the ear-to-ear grin plastered on the faces of most Vespa riders. 

Its hard not to notice these shiny, bright (and cute) scooters that seemingly zip through traffic with ease - and even harder to miss the ear-to-ear grin plastered on the faces of most Vespa riders. They do look fun, but my interests are actually more professional and functional - I want to use it as my main mode of transportation to and from work. Benefits? I was told that a new Vespa LX150 would get over 80 miles per gallon. That makes even a Prius look like a fuel guzzling hog. Second benefit? Parking - there are more and more scooter/motorcycle parking areas being made available and guess what - they are FREE. Yes, free. Free parking, who would have guessed. Given weather in San Francisco, I have my reservations if this is feasible. 

However, my biggest concern has been reliability - can I really depend on a tiny little scooter to get me to and from work on a daily basis? Those tires and wheels look awful small at times...how far can these things really go?

While Google searching the reliability of Vespa scooters, I was shocked to find multiple accounts of people riding LONG distances on Vespa scooters. I found a link on the VespaUSA Facebook page to a blog where two people rode from Vermont to Los Angeles (each riding their own Vespa), logging over 4,700 miles (See blog here: )! Did I say LONG? My butt hurts just thinking about it. This seems to have squashed my fear of Vespa and reliability - if they can make it across the country, then I'm guessing I can make it 10 miles on a daily basis!

So my mind is made up - I'm going to trade in the ol' '98 Camry and have already put down a deposit for a brand new Red Vespa LX150. I can't wait to change my commuting schedule - my friend who already rides a scooter (not a Vespa) has estimated it will save me 10-15 mins on my daily commute (you can lane split in california!).

 

However, there are some obstacles that one needs to overcome should they go the Vespa route. It surprises many people, but in order to ride most Vespas legally, you must have a motorcycle endorsement/license. This can involve taking classes (which cost $$$) or studying on your own (and praying you test well), and a trip to the DMV - we all know how awesome that can be. Also, safety gear, namely helmet, gloves, armored jacket, etc - an all be very expensive and add up. However, on the flip side, insurance for a scooter compared to a car is ridiculously low - my quote from Geico was $167 per year!

So there you have it - I am an in-the-process convert. No more car - I have taken the plunge. Scooter from here on out. I feel so green, euro...maybe even hip?

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What is An Axial Piston Pump for?The Principle Work of axial Piston pump?!

An Axial Piston Pump is a positive displacement pump that has a number of pistons in a circular array within a cylinder block. It can be used as a stand-alone pump, a hydraulic motor or an automotive air conditioning compressor.

 An axial piston pump has a number of pistons (usually an odd number) arranged in a circular array within a housing, which is commonly referred to as a cylinder block, rotor or barrel. This cylinder block is driven to rotate about its axis of symmetry by an integral shaft that is, more or less, aligned with the pumping pistons (usually parallel but not necessarily).

 An axial piston pump has a number of pistons (usually an odd number) arranged in a circular array within a housing, which is commonly referred to as a cylinder block, rotor or barrel. This cylinder block is driven to rotate about its axis of symmetry by an integral shaft that is, more or less, aligned with the pumping pistons (usually parallel but not necessarily).

 Designers have a number of problems to overcome in designing axial piston pumps. One is managing to be able to manufacture a pump with the fine tolerances necessary for efficient operation. The mating faces between the rotary piston-cylinder assembly and the stationary pump body have to be almost a perfect seal while the rotary part turns at, maybe, 3000 rpm. The pistons are usually less than half an inch (13 mm) in diameter with similar stroke lengths. Keeping the wall to piston seal tight means that very small clearances are involved and that materials have to be closely matched for similar coefficient of expansion.

 The pistons have to be drawn outwards in their cylinder by some means.  

The pistons have to be drawn outwards in their cylinder by some means.On small pumps this can be done by means of a spring inside the cylinder that forces the piston up the cylinder. Inlet fluid pressure can also be arranged so that the fluid pushes the pistons up the cylinder. Often a vane pump is located on the same drive shaft to provide this pressure and it also allows the pump assembly to draw fluid against some suction head from the reservoir, which is not an attribute of the unaided axial piston pump.

 Pump can contain most of the necessary circuit controls integrally (the swash-plate angle control) to regulate flow and pressure, be very reliable and allow the rest of the hydraulic system to be very simple and inexpensive. 

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Honda Accord Variants

Honda Accord Variants Honda Accord is one of the luxurious sedan models in Indian auto market. 

Honda Accord Variants Honda Accord is one of the luxurious sedan models in Indian auto market. This luxurious sedan is a synthesis of advanced styling, complete comfort, and sophistication. The car is introduced with the more power and passenger space. As compared to other sedan models Honda Accord is much impressive and more dynamic in drive. Its extreme bold and aggressive looks make the car more exclusive and elite. 

Honda has put their full efforts to improve its Honda Accord from every aspect, interior to exteriors, to make the car better from its forerunners. Honda Accord comes with spacious and roomy interiors which not only bring comfort while driving but gives you a feeling of relaxation. The rear Air Conditioning vent makes the journey more peaceful and calm. 

The new Honda Accord is available in eight variants such as Honda Accord 2.4 M/T, Honda Accord 2.4 Elegance M/T, Honda Accord 2.4 A/T, Honda Accord 2.4 Inspire M/T, Honda Accord 2.4 Elegance A/T, Honda Accord 2.4 Inspire A/T, Honda Accord 3.5 V6 and Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Inspire. Lets talk about the price and features of each variant of Honda Accord. 

Honda Accord 2.4 M/T is the base model of Honda New Accord 2.4 L engine with manual transmission. This variant is come with the price tag of Rs 19, 15,500. Honda Accord 2.4 Elegance M/T, this variant is upgraded version and attached with some elegant features such as woody panel, illuminated side-step garnish, front chrome protector, rear chrome protector and rear chrome garnish. The Honda Accord 2.4 Elegance M/T price in Mumbai is Rs 19, 46,766. 

Honda Accord 2.4 A/T offers all the similar features as its forerunner. The difference is only is it comes with the Automatic Transmission. The price of this car in Mumbai is Rs 19, 94,400. Honda Accord 2.4 Inspire M/T is the high variant of Honda Accord and provides the features like front under spoiler, illuminated side -step garnish, side under spoiler, rear under spoiler and trunk spoiler etc. it is available in the price range of Rs 20, 09,033. 

Honda Accord 2.4 Elegance A/T is embedded with the all similar features but attached with some elegance accessories. The price of this car is Rs 20, 25,666. Honda Accord 3.5 V6, this high end variant is loaded with 3.5 L V6 Automatic Transmission engine. Rest of the features is similar to its previous ones and the price is around Rs 27, 12,366. 

The all new Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Inspire comes with a kit of Inspire Accessories. The price of this car is Rs 27, 68,831.

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A Brief History Of Thornycroft Trucks

World War 1 broke out in August 1914, and the War Office found itself seriously short of lorries which it could call up for service, due to the failure of the subsidy scheme. It obtained a large number of vehicles from manufacturers and private users all over the country. During the August Bank Holiday week, Thornycroft was busy delivering to a mechanical transport camp in Kensington Gardens, London, all vehicles which had been nearing completion at Basingstoke, and which could be completed quickly with temporary or permanent bodies.

Shortly afterwards, Thornycroft was instructed by the War Office to supply its entire output of J type lorries for military use, the first batch being delivered on 8 September.

Later on in the war, Thornycroft was able to supply small numbers of J types to private operators while most of its production was absorbed by the War Office. About 5,000 J Type lorries were built during World War 1 by Thornycroft.

After World War 1, Thornycroft continued production of its four proven pre 1919 models, including the 2 ton BT, 3 ton X, 4 ton 40hp J and 5 ton 40hp Q type models. Later on, these types were joined by the 6 ton 40hp W, Thornycroft's first post war lorry design.

The Hathi heavy four wheel drive tractor was introduced in 1925, designed for heavy haulage of lumber, etc over difficult terrain. It could cross gullies with 3ft high vertical banks, exert a steady drawbar pull of 9,000lb, haul a 10 ton trailer up a gradient of 1 in 10 at 7mph, and travel through soft sand. Its built in winch had a pull of 5 tons. The British Army acquired a number of Hathis for artillery transport. The vehicle was powered by a giant 11.33 litre six cylinder engine developing 100bhp.

By now, Thornycroft had become a major firm whose extensive product range included motor vehicles for goods, passenger transport and municipal service, cargo and passenger ships up to a length of 450ft, shallow draft vessels, oil tankers, destroyers, ferries, tugs, yachts, marine and stationary engines, motor boats capable of up to 40 knots (74kph), water tube marine boilers, etc. In addition to its London premises and its Basingstoke and Southampton works, Thornycroft had several depots and branches both at home and overseas.

The Thornycroft company was well-established and respected by 1927, producing commercial vehicles, ships and other engineering products.

In many ways the companys progress in lorry design was far more impressive between 1927 and 1932 than it had been from 1919 to 1926. All Thornycrofts lorries were powered by four cylinder engines during the earlier period and had spark ignition.

However, the need for more load capacity without loss of performance resulted in their most powerful lorry engine having around double the output of the previous eras best. The requirement for more power meant larger engines, leading to the introduction of six cylinder units.

Mercedes Benz caused a stir when it exhibited a diesel lorry at the UKs 1927 Commercial Motor Show, held at Olympia. Other manufacturers producing and marketing IC engined lorries in the UK were then offering petrol vehicles.

It was only a matter of time before they, too, had to introduce fuel efficient diesel lorries in order to stay competitive. Thornycroft was not the first British manufacturer to offer diesels, and the company appeared reluctant to do so, waiting until 1931 to introduce a lorry diesel engine.

However, once on board the diesel bandwagon, Thornycroft demonstrated that it lagged behind no-one in applying the new (for lorries) diesel technology. Larger, six wheeled, vehicles were introduced to cope with greater weights, and Thornycroft introduced vacuum servo assisted brakes as well as all wheel braking, superseding the rear wheel brakes fitted to an earlier generation of lorries. In summary, the 1927 to 1932 period was an era of more rapid technological advance in lorry design than before, both for Thornycroft and its competitors.

Road haulage expanded from the 1930s, in some areas competing with railways for the carriage of freight. Thornycroft lorry sales news items were spread over a wide area of operators both at home and overseas.

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The Savety Comparations of Motorbikes and Cars

cars are safer than motorbikes

For years we were led to believe that cars are safer than motorbikes. However, this statement was created by people involved in the car industry to protect their own interests. It is high time that we open our eyes and see the true: motorbikes are better than cars.

First of all, we should know that riding a motorbike is not dangerous in itself. What makes it dangerous is the fact that cities tend to be packed with cars. Plus, cities are designed for cars, not motorbikes. However, it is not the vehicle itself that is dangerous; it is cars that pose a risk to motorbikes. 

Secondly, it should be highlighted the fact that a car is only equipped with one brake, located on the driveshaft. This brake is completely useless under rain conditions; in fact some drivers need over a mile to brake their cars. Motorbikes, on the other hand, count with three brakes, and can come to a total stop in only 100 feet. 

The body of a car is made out of aluminum foil

The body of a car is made out of aluminum foil, a fact that makes the car completely unstable, and it can easily lose control under certain circumstances. Motorbikes do not have a body, so it is easy to keep them under control, and avoid accidents. 

Motorbikes are more economical. There is no parking fee for motorbikes, and road tax is much cheaper for them. Also, in places like London motorbikes do not have to pay for a congestion charge. And talking about congestions, traffic jams are not a problem for motorbikes, since they can easily escape them.

If everybody rode a motorbike, the world would be much safer. Whenever there is a collision between two motorbikes, at the most, people involved in the accident get a broken bone. However, a crash between two cars often results in fatalities. 

A car is a deadly weapon

A car is a deadly weapon, everything about this vehicle was designed to hurt or kill. For example, the glass in a car will explode inwards, in the event of an accident. If something like this happened, the passengers of the vehicles would end up badly hurt and with many cuts on their bodies. Motorbikes do not have any glass, thus there is no danger in this respect.

If you drive a motorbike and get involved in an accident, you will not run the risk of being stuck or trapped in the vehicle like a car driver. There are all sorts of protective gear available for motorbike riders . Also, since motorbike riders are in a higher position than car drivers, they tend to have a better view.

Motorbikes are much cheaper, and run longer than cars. Riders do no assume anything and are extra careful while on the bikes. In addition, motorbikes pollute less than a car. The list of reasons why riding a motorbike is better than driving a car could go on endlessly. It is up to you, to make a wise choice, and decide what you want for your life.

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