Automotive Spot

By Richard Crittendon

Traveling around new places has become a great deal easier with the advent of Global Positioning System (GPS). Earlier, when we planed an excursion to a new destination we were often concerned about navigation our way in the unknown vicinity. People used to hire guides for the purpose, which definitely burnt hole in their pockets. Further, if you are not familiar with the language of the guide then there is very less you can do to complete your tour successfully. All these hassles have been remarkably minimized by GPS. The application finds a wide application in several spheres, including, defense, mining, traveling and exploration, and many more.



GPS turned out to be a significant tool for the explorers, and hence finds a broad usage in modern automobiles. Almost all the contemporary luxury cars come with installed GPS in them. GPS enables its user in finding the places of their interest, such as- restaurants, clinics, clubs, famous sites, or any other such place. However, if your car is not fitted with any sort of GPS device, then it can be also installed separately. There are different types of GPS available for the automobiles. So, before going for any specific GPS for your vehicle, make sure that you are purchasing the most suitable one. Some of the major types of GPS are given here:

• In-built GPS – Almost all the major car manufacturers are offering in-built GPS application in their
cars. These cars have GPS tools fixed into a dash, and hence don’t get lost easily. However, cars with in-built GPS are expensive than their non GPS version.

• Portable GPS Tools– These GPS units are tailored for an easy carriage of the device. These are not rigidly fitted into the automobile can be moved from one vehicle to other easily. So, if you have more that one car, then this type of system is highly recommended for you. The system helps you in saving your lots of bucks and efforts. You can also take this system to your home when you are not driving, and help your kids to learn more about the city you are living in. These GPS devices weigh around 10 Oz, and have 4” inch wide display fitted in it. Its price range starts from $250, and can go up to $500, depending upon the functions and features of the device.

• Pocket GPS Tools– Automobile pocket is an advanced form of portable GPS unit for automobiles. It can be fit into your pocket or palm, and can be easily carried anywhere you wish to. These devices are a bit expensive than the portable form of automobile GPS tools, with a starting price tag of $400, which can go up to $600 for an advanced unit.

All these GPS applications have their own pros and cons, and their applicability largely depends upon your needs. So, before making purchase of the suitable GPS application, prioritize your needs and buy accordingly. Learn more and find out about types of gps (global positioning system = tracking systems) available for your vehicle.

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There are several Harley-Davidson accessories you can buy for your motorcycle. However, you don''t need all of them to get your desired image. Here are 10 Harley-Davidson accessories you can consider buying. (Again, you don''t have to buy all these 10, you only have to select some.)

10. Fender trim

If you want to highlight your front fender would to become more attractive upon first look, you simply add a sweeping dash of this chrome-plated trim and you will surely see the difference.

9. Instrument trim

This is a chrome-plated trim that is installed on your tachometer and speedometer gauges (selected models). This will instantly give your Harley a stunning look.

8. Exhaust system

To a super bike, an exhaust system is a great addition to its overall sporty image. To a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, an exhaust system would highlight the very part that gives off the unique sound that made every Harley unique and popular. Sporty look is also an assurance on every exhaust system installed.

7. Saddlebag

Whether it is a color-matched bag or a leather saddlebag, once installed, it will sure give added toughness and style on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. There are different shapes, sizes, and material made for this type of accessory. All you have to do is to choose which one is for your motorcycle.

6. Sissy Bar Bag

Installed at the back seat of the motorcycle, the sissy bar bag will provide an extra storage that is easy to access.



5. Backrest pad

Whether you travel alone or with a companion, having a backrest pad will certainly help your posture. The backrest pad is not only functional, it is also a good cosmetic that adds to the image of the Harley-Davidson.

4. Windshield and windshield trim

Made from a hard-coated polycarbonate, this accessory that can resist scratching is a great addition to your Harley-Davidson. The trim on the other hand accentuates the windshield for added style.

3. Motorcycle Cover

Especially made for a true-blooded Harley-Davidson motorcycle, this will provide protection every time you park it at your garage or somewhere else.

2. Seats

Whether you go solo or with someone at your back, a good seat will let you enjoy the whole ride. Seats from different manufacturers are made from fine materials with designs that go with the brand.

1. Rider''s essential kit

If you want to buy a whole set of Harley-Davidson that would fit on the particular model you own, a kit would be a great choice. It includes accessories such as belt buckle, windshield, side plates, sissy bar, backrest pad, storage cover, seat, and more depending on the model you have.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Harley-Davidson & other useful information, please visit http://harley-davidson.articlekeep.com

(source : thefreelibrary.com)
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A revolutionary design project has led to a truly unique motorcycle and Aprilia's return to the Superbike World Championship. With 31 World Championship titles, 250 MotoGP wins and 8 Superbike victories in the last sixteen years, Aprilia is a legend in modern motorcycling. Aprilia motorcycles have dominated circuits all over the world thanks to unconventional technical solutions, experimentation and innovation and, sometimes, by revolutionising technology thought to be unchangeable. With this unique sporting heritage behind them, Aprilia is proud to present the RSV4, the bike with which Aprilia will return to the Superbike World Championship in 2009. This extraordinary machine has been conceived, designed and developed entirely by Aprilia Racing for competition use. The RSV4 will make its debut in the 2009 Superbike World Championship.
With four cylinders, 999cc and top of the class power in the race-ready version, this revolutionary machine is packed with innovative design and manufacturing solutions of the sort we have come to expect from Aprilia. A V-Four engine with total electronic management, and an exceptionally light and compact chassis are just some of the features that make this bike unique in the world of motorcycling. The revolutionary design of the Aprilia RSV4 comes directly from Europe's biggest and most successful racing team.

The road-going version of the RSV4 also benefits from the extraordinary technical know-how that Aprilia Racing has accumulated over two decades of success in MotoGP, and is packed with advanced solutions from GP racing. In short, the RSV4 stands alone as a exclusive, genuine, and in many ways unique racing replica. The Aprilia RSV4 is powered by the most revolutionary and most powerful engine ever developed by Aprilia. This 65-degree V-Four unit is based on an architecture that is unique in the world of supersport motorcycles, and features refined engineering combined with prestigious materials and advanced electronic management solutions.



The new engine uses multi-mapping ride-by-wire technology, a solution that opens up new horizons in engine control, and offers virtually infinite opportunities for power delivery and traction control (present as standard on the racing version). The choice of a narrow V-layout has led to the development of an incredibly narrow engine. This in turn has permitted weight to be centralised and chassis performance dramatically improved (thanks to a short wheelbase and long swingarm). The narrow V-Four configuration permits a longer stroke to be used, with clear benefits in terms of improved engine breathing. High engine speeds can therefore be reached without having to extend the width of the crankcase. This is fundamentally important to aerodynamics and maneuverability (two characteristics for which Aprilia motorcycles have always been universally acclaimed). The monobloc cylinder block features integrated liners for maximum rigidity and consistent efficiency. The air intake trumpets are variable in length. Each bank of cylinders has a servomotor dedicated exclusively to the operation of their two throttle bodies. The aperture of the four butterfly valves, and therefore the volume of air inducted, can therefore be controlled independently. This solution opens up new horizons in electronic engine and power management, resulting in truly advanced integral traction control. A cassette type gearbox and a slipper clutch demonstrate the racing character of this engine.


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The three-row GL450. Not surprisingly, it drives almost identically to the M-class on which it is primarily based. The steering is light and smooth; no thumps or crashes mar the ride; and the quiet, comfortable, well-appointed cabin seals out road noise. Air springs are optional on the M-class, but here they're standard equipment, and they help keep body roll to a minimum. Under hard acceleration or braking, however, the GL pitches forward and back like a headbanging teenager. It doesn't help that the brakes take a good jab before they engage. Very little of the 4.6-liter V-8's rumblings make their way inside this unibody SUV. An estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 7.4 seconds demonstrates the 5249-pound truck's get-up-and-go, but, nevertheless, the GL feels slow-and it certainly won't get any livelier when you ask it to pull 7500 pounds, its maximum tow rating. However, a more powerful variant, the GL550, will be released in about a year if the GL450 sells well. Wisely, Mercedes plans no AMG version. The GL is a worthy entry in its segment, but it has none of the charisma of the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz's own G-class, which it was supposed to supplant. In fact, Mercedes is hedging its bets by keeping the ancient, preternaturally cool Gel,,ndewagen in its lineup for at least four more years. The GL is certainly a comfortable and capable SUV, but there are plenty of those. There's only one G-wagen, though.


The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a superbly performing SUV, and earns a very good score and high performance ranking within the class. A powerful, but silent, V8 engine powers a car that Motor Trend says "never feels like a full-size brute that can swallow seven; rather, it drives small, coming across more as an S-Class sedan than an Escalade competitor." This luxury SUV provides an excellent driving experience, with nearly every review noting, as New Car Test Drive does, that "the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is large and capable off road yet feels surprisingly car-like on the road." This is in large part thanks to its unibody construction, instead of the body-on-frame construction that is typically used in most large SUVs and trucks. Edmunds notes the GL "manages to present itself with a touch of class. Its mechanical sophistication, unit-body construction and superior craftsmanship also set it apart from other seven-passenger full-sizers" Ride comfort, as befits a luxury SUV, also puts the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class at the top of its class, thanks to standard all-wheel drive, an independent rear suspension, and features such as electronic stability control. AutoWeek adds that the GL550 offers "an impressive combination of power, smoothness, surefooted handling and luxury." As previously noted, the 2007 GL-Class was recognized with several awards, including Edmunds' "Most Wanted SUV of 2007."



Most reviews say that the 2008 Mercedes GL-Class offers above-average handling, despite the lack of road feel. AutoWeek says that all GL models "drive smaller than they are; agile handlers, they hustle quickly through curves." However, Edmunds says some "might find the Mercedes GL's handling to be a bit willowy -- this isn't a truck you toss around for the sheer joy of it. But the ride and handling compromise is acceptable, and the GL's steering, although a bit slow, is nicely weighted and never numb." Car and Driver says the steering "feels as if road feel were being delivered to you on a tiny pillow by a tiny butler - but there is good precision and heft to the wheel."

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